We each have 24 hours a day. What differentiates us is what we do with our personal 24 hours. President Trump and his political advisor, Steve Bannon, are focused on how they think terrorists can be kept outside our borders, and in President Trump's case, tweeting about it. Now, because for every action there is a reaction, they will need to devote part of their precious 24 hours countering judicial actions with which they don't agree. We may be in the middle of a Constitutional crisis, one that could have been avoided, if President Trump and Steve Bannon had focused on something else -- something like rebuilding our transportation infrastructure. Just think, there would have been good faith bi-partisan brainstorming. People who oppose President Trump would have been relieved or at least distracted, or perhaps, disarmed.
No such luck. President Trump and Steve Bannon have given those who oppose Trump, daily, cumulative, growing reasons to get organized, to keep the judicial branch busy, and vigorously oppose a solid appointment for the Supreme Court.
From my perspective, President Trump and Steve Bannon, have triggered an inevitable process -- aggressive use of the courts -- unnecessarily early in the Trump administration. It will eat up their time, it will take over their tweeting, and will delay or stop steps they could have taken to really strengthen the American economy and workforce.
Well, they could take a deep breathe and recalibrate, shift gears. They are only in week three after all.
Why not invite people who repair bridges to lunch?
Why not visit some inner city schools and talk to teachers, kids, and parents?
Why not nominate an educator to be Secretary of Education? One who gets unanimous bi-partisan support. If President Trump can nominate a powerful candidate for the Supreme Court, he can surely nominate a solid Secretary of Education, rather than Betsy DeVos.
Why not have a Skype call with some entrepreneurs who just happen to have disabilities?
Why not learn more about the farm-to-table movement?
Oh yes, how about letting Ivanka share her ideas about child care with more of us?
Why not talk to immigrants in Silicon Valley on H1B visas about what they are doing?
Make America great again, buy American, and hire American are slogans that scare allies and trading partners, which may be neither soon, and leave many of us scratching our heads and praying, in equal measure.
No one doubts President Trump's power or energy level. It is time to change how he uses his 24 hours. If he doesn't the history books will treat his time in office as a temporary deviation from true American values. I hope he makes the right correction now, and see the potential in consensus building and puts aside coercion, threats, and promotion of isolationism as his preferred tactics. The latter may keep his 40 percent base. But, as he has said, he will bring us together, he is the president of us all. So he needs to start acting like it.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
Whoa!
I was sent a link to a blog post by the Arc (https://blog.thearc.org) titled: The Arc On Leaked Draft Executive Order That Would Impact People with Disabilities Legally Residing in the US and Seeking to Legally Immigrate. The Washington Post was the first to share this draft executive order (apps.washingtonpost.com/documents/national/draft-executive-orders-on-immigration/2315/).
It covers three things.
1. No potential immigrant comes into the U.S. if the person cannot support himself or herself (not be a public charge).
2. Remove any immigrant who is in the U.S. and is a public charge
3. Get reimbursement from anyone who sponsors an immigrant who receives/received public benefits
The purpose of this policy is make sure the taxpayers aren't left holding the bag for these people and that everyone let in or is is here already, who happens to be an immigrant, is self-sufficient. There are no exceptions.
What about families? Children? Grandparents? Individuals with developmental disabilities? Perhaps, if the family is Christian the whole family gets in, but then again perhaps not.
I have learned that at Ellis Island, at the turn of the 20th century, potential immigrants were made to climb stairs. If you couldn't climb stairs you couldn't enter the U.S. I guess the Department of Homeland Security could shut down the elevators connected to international arrival areas at airports.
The drafter of the memo accompanying this draft executive order, Andrew Bremberg, recommends to President Trump that he sign it, although Bromberg gives him three options -- approve, disapprove, or needs more discussion.
Here's hoping Ivanka tells her Dad to trash it.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
It covers three things.
1. No potential immigrant comes into the U.S. if the person cannot support himself or herself (not be a public charge).
2. Remove any immigrant who is in the U.S. and is a public charge
3. Get reimbursement from anyone who sponsors an immigrant who receives/received public benefits
The purpose of this policy is make sure the taxpayers aren't left holding the bag for these people and that everyone let in or is is here already, who happens to be an immigrant, is self-sufficient. There are no exceptions.
What about families? Children? Grandparents? Individuals with developmental disabilities? Perhaps, if the family is Christian the whole family gets in, but then again perhaps not.
I have learned that at Ellis Island, at the turn of the 20th century, potential immigrants were made to climb stairs. If you couldn't climb stairs you couldn't enter the U.S. I guess the Department of Homeland Security could shut down the elevators connected to international arrival areas at airports.
The drafter of the memo accompanying this draft executive order, Andrew Bremberg, recommends to President Trump that he sign it, although Bromberg gives him three options -- approve, disapprove, or needs more discussion.
Here's hoping Ivanka tells her Dad to trash it.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
Saturday, January 21, 2017
What We Need to Do Now!
As the gridlock in Congress got worse, as gerrymandering made congressional district elections more partisan and predictable, I started to think a viable third party of solution-driven members would force Republicans and Democrats to work together toward the common good. Then, along came Donald Trump, a party unto himself.
His progression to his inauguration has galvanized people. His inaugural speech and his references to the power of the people has awaken us. The sister marches for equality has confirmed our strength and passion. All this now must be channeled into demands for specific actions.
As I see it there are now four power bases.
Donald Trump
The Democrats in Congress
The Republicans in Congress
The people, not just those who agree with Trump, but everybody
Today I think Trump and the people have the upper hand. Republicans and Democrats are confused and scared.
Business in Washington is going to change. People who use to watch the news and complain to their friends are now going to let the President and Congress know what they need and want, not once in awhile, but daily. People are going to stop things they don't want by flooding the offices of Congress people, the President, and cabinet secretaries.
What we the people will initially focus on, I suspect, is what happens to Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and PBS because they have had the most visibility in the media lately. Fine. Flood those Presidential and Congressional social media accounts this coming week, and the week after that until Congress does the right thing! In some cases this may mean just not undo something. These items may be our test cases, a chance for us to test our strength, to demonstrate the power of solidarity.
But then we must move on to other risks, such as having a cabinet secretary who does not understand that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal civil rights law, that each child with a disability has the right to a free appropriate public education. Such an education is not an elective option for states. If Ms. DeVos is confirmed we need to work with her fast! We need to explain to her the role and value of not only IDEA, but also discretionary funding in personnel preparation, research, and demonstration grants that bring about innovation in American classrooms.
We need to ensure that President Trump picks a Commissioner for the Administration on Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in the Department of Health and Human Services that knows how the grant programs under the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act help state service systems for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities work in a more consumer-friendly way.
We need to ensure that accessible housing options are embraced by Dr. Carson, and expanded. For example, let people with disabilities pool their Section 8 vouchers, and live together in bigger, better rentals, and eliminate the policy that a voucher can only be used by one person for a one bedroom rental.
Ask the President to preserve executive orders related to employing veterans with disabilities and others with disabilities. Ask the Secretary of Labor to retain regulations outlining quota for federal contractors related to hiring people with disabilities.
These are the thing I will be working for in the next months. I hope you will join your friends and colleagues to mount campaigns to address things that are important to you -- things you want to preserve, protect, expand, and strengthen. We cannot let the next four years be a time of undoing, unwinding, weakening, or ignoring the right to freedom, respect, equality, and opportunity. We have a lot to do and not a minute to waste.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Time to Be Brave, Think Big, and Engage President Elect Trump's Administration
Last week I attended the Association of University Centers on Disabilities' annual conference in Washington, D.C. AUCD had a record turnout. And no wonder! People were looking for like-minded colleagues with whom to mourn, given the presidential election results. They fear for the continued availability of federal funds to continue their work.
Sixty-seven Centers belong to AUCD. Their bottom line is a commendable one -- helping individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential and the American dream. The Centers do this through research, training, community-based demonstrations, and dissemination. They maintain a healthy emphasis on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives so that professionals across many disciplines collaborate and develop a common language, making it easier for families with disabled members to get help. They partner with state agencies, State Developmental Disabilities Councils and State Protection and Advocacy Systems to develop policies, procedures, and advocacy that make services systems work better, ensure that rights are protected, and that families and individuals are better equipped to advocate for themselves.
Federal funding for these amazing networks, authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act should be expanded, period. So tell the Trump Transition Team about them. It needs these details now. Mr. Trump likes things that work. At the AUCD conference I heard many good presenters, but Neil Romano's really hit home. Neil recommended that we urge the creation of a cabinet level position for a national office on disability program coordination. What a great idea. There are over 140 programs that touch the lives of persons with disabilities. There are multiple, conflicting definitions of disability and eligibility for services. Neil urged us to stop thinking in incremental terms and go big. Well if there was ever the time to do it, now is such a time. Mr. Trump loves big ideas. He will have no problem with us outlining the best way for a big idea to be realized. So let's get to work and lay out a plan for him.
Finally, for many years Presidents have had a disability advisor on the Domestic Policy Council. Unfortunately, this person was usually borrowed and paid for by a federal agency. The position was typically for one year. We need to tell Mr. Trump that we want a disability advisor on the Domestic Policy Council, who is not only qualified, but permanent and paid for out of his staffing funds. With 54 million Americans with disabilities, we have a reason to have our own "ear" on the Domestic Policy Council. We are taxpayers, we are employers and employees, we are family members, we are strong voices who contribute everyday to the vibrancy of American society! So friends, enough mourning. Now is the time for action. The choice to act or sit back and watch is ours. You know where I stand. Where do you stand?
Thank you.
Common Grounder
Sixty-seven Centers belong to AUCD. Their bottom line is a commendable one -- helping individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential and the American dream. The Centers do this through research, training, community-based demonstrations, and dissemination. They maintain a healthy emphasis on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives so that professionals across many disciplines collaborate and develop a common language, making it easier for families with disabled members to get help. They partner with state agencies, State Developmental Disabilities Councils and State Protection and Advocacy Systems to develop policies, procedures, and advocacy that make services systems work better, ensure that rights are protected, and that families and individuals are better equipped to advocate for themselves.
Federal funding for these amazing networks, authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act should be expanded, period. So tell the Trump Transition Team about them. It needs these details now. Mr. Trump likes things that work. At the AUCD conference I heard many good presenters, but Neil Romano's really hit home. Neil recommended that we urge the creation of a cabinet level position for a national office on disability program coordination. What a great idea. There are over 140 programs that touch the lives of persons with disabilities. There are multiple, conflicting definitions of disability and eligibility for services. Neil urged us to stop thinking in incremental terms and go big. Well if there was ever the time to do it, now is such a time. Mr. Trump loves big ideas. He will have no problem with us outlining the best way for a big idea to be realized. So let's get to work and lay out a plan for him.
Finally, for many years Presidents have had a disability advisor on the Domestic Policy Council. Unfortunately, this person was usually borrowed and paid for by a federal agency. The position was typically for one year. We need to tell Mr. Trump that we want a disability advisor on the Domestic Policy Council, who is not only qualified, but permanent and paid for out of his staffing funds. With 54 million Americans with disabilities, we have a reason to have our own "ear" on the Domestic Policy Council. We are taxpayers, we are employers and employees, we are family members, we are strong voices who contribute everyday to the vibrancy of American society! So friends, enough mourning. Now is the time for action. The choice to act or sit back and watch is ours. You know where I stand. Where do you stand?
Thank you.
Common Grounder
Sunday, November 13, 2016
First Step to Being Smart
Aloha,
On December 1, 2016 is the fundraising gala for the U.S. Council on Disabilities (USICD) at the Chamber of Congress in Washington, D.C. It is a bipartisan celebration of the role USICD plays in promoting disability rights. I am president of USICD. I am so proud of USICD. We acknowledge and celebrate the bipartisan role associated with supporting USICD and like-minded organizations in providing technical assistance to advocacy groups and governments so they create policies that promote universally designed communities around the world.
Here's the link to the details:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ed7jctgla822de3b&llr=xmiyfhdab
Please buy a ticket and come join us. I'll be there, all the way from Hawaii. Yes, I am crazy to leave paradise in December!
Common Grounder
Friday, November 11, 2016
What about Disability Expertise in the Trump Administration?
Historically appointing people to fill political jobs in disability-related positions, regardless of the party who wins a presidential election, takes a long time to fill -- 12 to 18 months on average. On the one hand, that suggests less than optimal status in the food chain. On the other hand, it gives us some time to encourage smart, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and experienced people to apply.
What would President-Elect Trump do related to disability policy? On the one hand, that's a hard question to answer given the scarcity of substantive detail even remotely connected to disability policy or possible initiatives. He has made strong, affirmative statements about assisting vets, so maybe reviewing them will give us some ideas. He has said he would block grant Medicaid, giving states control of it, so perhaps we should invest in strengthening disability advocacy coalitions in individual states. He is all about growing jobs here in America, so whatever mechanisms that emerge to make that happen, people who represent people with disabilities need to be at the table. Perhaps someone needs to tell him that undoing some executive orders related to employment of persons with disabilities would be counter productive. His positions on education matters are not part of a comprehensive plan, but the ones we know about would definitely give states more discretion and control and give parents more choice. Again, strong voices in individual states advocating for the right processes and outcomes will be most necessary.
The things I have identified are not inherently horrific. It's a matter of how they are done. It's a matter of whom President-Elect Trump HIRES to steer the disability ship. I encourage him to hire people who believe, have experience with, and would practice these principles when placed in positions of power:
1. Take a serious look at what is before you attempt to alter it.
2. If you decide ultimately to alter it, get broad input from end-user stakeholders.
3. Don't make things more complicated by always believing 50 ways of doing something is better than one way of doing something.
4. Protect with strong conviction the disability rights laws that are on the books.
If you believe and practice these principles, you are someone President-Elect Trump could use in his administration. You could do a lot of good. The worse that could happen is that he would fire you or you would quit. But, before that you could shape things in ways that would pay off for people with disabilities. Doing so, even only for a while, would be worth it.
Common Grounder
What would President-Elect Trump do related to disability policy? On the one hand, that's a hard question to answer given the scarcity of substantive detail even remotely connected to disability policy or possible initiatives. He has made strong, affirmative statements about assisting vets, so maybe reviewing them will give us some ideas. He has said he would block grant Medicaid, giving states control of it, so perhaps we should invest in strengthening disability advocacy coalitions in individual states. He is all about growing jobs here in America, so whatever mechanisms that emerge to make that happen, people who represent people with disabilities need to be at the table. Perhaps someone needs to tell him that undoing some executive orders related to employment of persons with disabilities would be counter productive. His positions on education matters are not part of a comprehensive plan, but the ones we know about would definitely give states more discretion and control and give parents more choice. Again, strong voices in individual states advocating for the right processes and outcomes will be most necessary.
The things I have identified are not inherently horrific. It's a matter of how they are done. It's a matter of whom President-Elect Trump HIRES to steer the disability ship. I encourage him to hire people who believe, have experience with, and would practice these principles when placed in positions of power:
1. Take a serious look at what is before you attempt to alter it.
2. If you decide ultimately to alter it, get broad input from end-user stakeholders.
3. Don't make things more complicated by always believing 50 ways of doing something is better than one way of doing something.
4. Protect with strong conviction the disability rights laws that are on the books.
If you believe and practice these principles, you are someone President-Elect Trump could use in his administration. You could do a lot of good. The worse that could happen is that he would fire you or you would quit. But, before that you could shape things in ways that would pay off for people with disabilities. Doing so, even only for a while, would be worth it.
Common Grounder
Monday, November 7, 2016
Time to Choose
The key word in this election is change. How you view it. How you define it. How you think it will happen. What will result because of it.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump agree on one thing -- they each pronounce that they will bring about the change that everyone needs and wants. Of course, that is debatable. Some things are critical -- They each need a Congress with which they can work. They each need a nine-person bench on the Supreme Court. They each need smart people around them who can get things done. They each need to avoid non-productive distractions.
I own property in Virginia so I voted by absentee ballot. What did I weigh in reaching my decision?
What is most important -- experience in or out of government?
What is most helpful -- experience negotiating based on facts and a sense of desirable outcomes or negotiating using raw power and all that comes with it?
What is most essential -- knowing how to prepare for the anticipated and the unanticipated or having people around you, you think have the answers because you picked them and you are good at that?
What should be done with health care -- correct a flawed system or start over?
What should be done about the economy -- let it flourish naturally or tick off every company that has business overseas?
What should be done about education -- listen and build consensus before acting or close the Department of Education?
What should be done about security -- recognize where we are and document it for the American people or start shutting out people, shrink our ally pool, and eliminate ISIS in all the countries it resides, using brute force.
I want to wake up the day after the inauguration with a president that supports the Constitution, cares about people and their circumstances, cuts deals within the law, has learned from past mistakes, knows how to react to criticism as a mature adult, and has canceled her Twitter account.
Common Grounder
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump agree on one thing -- they each pronounce that they will bring about the change that everyone needs and wants. Of course, that is debatable. Some things are critical -- They each need a Congress with which they can work. They each need a nine-person bench on the Supreme Court. They each need smart people around them who can get things done. They each need to avoid non-productive distractions.
I own property in Virginia so I voted by absentee ballot. What did I weigh in reaching my decision?
What is most important -- experience in or out of government?
What is most helpful -- experience negotiating based on facts and a sense of desirable outcomes or negotiating using raw power and all that comes with it?
What is most essential -- knowing how to prepare for the anticipated and the unanticipated or having people around you, you think have the answers because you picked them and you are good at that?
What should be done with health care -- correct a flawed system or start over?
What should be done about the economy -- let it flourish naturally or tick off every company that has business overseas?
What should be done about education -- listen and build consensus before acting or close the Department of Education?
What should be done about security -- recognize where we are and document it for the American people or start shutting out people, shrink our ally pool, and eliminate ISIS in all the countries it resides, using brute force.
I want to wake up the day after the inauguration with a president that supports the Constitution, cares about people and their circumstances, cuts deals within the law, has learned from past mistakes, knows how to react to criticism as a mature adult, and has canceled her Twitter account.
Common Grounder
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