The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48102

Carolyn Weissbach, JD, MPH, P.O. Box 801, Houghton, MI 49931, (906) 482-3173, weissbach@chartermi.net

The local collaboration between the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country and the Copper Country Regional Interagency Coordinating Body in rural Houghton County, Michigan aims to address barriers to access for voters with physical, mental and developmental disabilities. Obstacles may result in lower voter turnout within the disability community and, consequently, less of a voice in electing government officials and influencing public policy on a variety of issues, including the financing and delivery of health services. Challenges include physical difficulty in completing ballots and accessing the polls, reading small type on ballots, accessing information about accommodations and understanding registration rules and procedures. Goals of the project are to promote self-determination of voters with disabilities, encourage community participation, provide opportunities for planning with election officials and heighten awareness in the community-at-large. A community needs and interest assessment, public information forums, targeted education sessions, public service announcements, voter service booklet and a web site are featured program components. Project findings are being disseminated in Michigan and nation-wide. The year-long effort in 2002 is funded by a grant awarded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, the participant will be able to
• 1 - develop a collaborative, community-based initiative to address barriers to accessing voter information, registration and voting for voters with disabilities; and
• 2 - recognize and overcome barriers to access identified by voters with disabilities; and
• 3 - apply concepts and skills learned to increase self-determination of the disability community and heighten awareness in the community-at-large.

Keywords: Disability, Access

Related Web page: www.lwvccmi.org/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: League of Women Voters of the Copper Country (Houghton, Michigan)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: President of League of Women Voters of the Copper Country