504 Democratic Club: Questionnaires (Candidate for Congress Charles B. Rangel's 2010 response)

Candidate Name: Congressman Charles B. Rangel

Candidate for Congressional District: 15

Contact Person: Kevin Wardally, Bill Lynch Associates

Campaign Address: 308 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027

Phone: 212-283-7515

Fax: 212-283-4825

Email: Kevin@bill-lynch.com

Website: www.charlierangel.org

How have you incorporated people with disabilities into your campaign?

Our office has a long standing relationship with people with disabilities Through the network of clubhouses, we work with anyone who wants to participate and work on our campaign. We try to make an effort to reach people were they are and help them assist our campaign in ways that are most comfortable to them.
If there is a Campaign office(s) is it wheelchair accessible?

We are coordinating our re-election campaign with different clubs throughout the district. Many, if not all, that have clubhouses are wheelchair accessible.
What personal and professional experience have you had with people with disabilities in your personal life and in the workplace?

As a veteran of the Korean War, I have had friends and colleagues who were disabled. It has been a large part of my legislative and advocacy history to support programs and legislation that would make sure that those who served our country and were injured in that service, receive benefits to which they are entitled and that they are able to operate in society to the best of their ability.
What type of jobs would you be willing to hire and to provide reasonable accommodation (e.g. flex or part time) for staff members with disabilities?

I am willing to hire, and have hired people according to their ability to perform a job. I am of course, willing to make accommodation for staff members who may need it.
While in public office and/or prior to this campaign, what have you accomplished in regard to advancing disability rights? This can include work towards accessible housing, transportation, employment, health care, education, and including people with disabilities in the political process?

I have a long history of supporting all of the above. Through legislation to increase disability insurance, ensure veterans' access, health care reform, requirements that government funding ensure housing accommodations, and many more. I have and will be in favor of removing barriers for disabled persons.
Will you commit to only attend and/or sponsor events that are accessible to people with disabilities including providing written materials in alternate formats, providing assistive listening systems, and sign language interpreters, as well as ensuring that locations are accessible to people who use mobility aids, like wheelchairs and walkers?

Yes.
Do you pledge to use your office to affirm or strengthen, rather than weaken, civil rights protections to persons with disabilities?

Absolutely!
How do you propose your active involvement/availability to the disability community?
1. Will have regular office agenda meetings on these issues?
  
  Yes!
2. What would you do to have direct contact with our community?
  
  I speak with members of your club on a regular basis and will continue to do so.
How will you work closely with the disability community to assure passage of vitally needed legislation? What will be your strategy?

As always, I will refer to the experts, you, and other advocates who work on these issues everyday.
If you are an incumbent,
1. Is your office accessible to persons with disabilities?
  
  Yes!
2. What oversight have you performed regarding implementation of programs/legislation passed previously?
  
  We have a long history of working with the 504 Democratic Club, coalitions, including Disabled Veterans, to ensure that programs are funded, legislation is enacted and followed so that all citizens have unencumbered access.
The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Fairness Restoration Act would permit parents and guardians who successfully bring an action or proceeding which enforces IDEA to be awarded expert witness fees and certain other expenses. Will you sponsor this legislation?

Yes.
The proposed Community Choice Act would allow persons with disabilities and older Americans equal access to community-based attendant supports rather than nursing home placement. Will you sponsor this legislation?

Yes.
Persons with disabilities have historically been under-represented within the Democratic Party leadership. According to the 2000 census, persons with disabilities comprised 20.6% of New York State residents and 23.1% of those 18 years and older. Previously, we were told that only those groups included in the Voting Rights Act were included in the goals and timetables for delegate selection. Yet the lesbian and gay communities were included for the first time at the 2000 convention and again at the 2004 and 2010 conventions. Would you support a campaign to set a goal that 10% of the total New York State Delegation to the 2012 Democratic National Convention be comprised of persons with disabilities.

As you know, delegates are elected by voters. While I would support candidates who are disabled and work to help them get elected, I am not in a position to ensure that they represent a percentage of the Delegation. I am on board with advocating for candidates and helping disabled candidates get elected. I am also in support of ensuring that persons with disabilities be on the platform committees and are in various appointed positions.

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