News & Information
Jean Lin Speaks at 8th Annual Disability Capitol Action Day Rally at State Capitol
5/25/2011 - APIDC Outreach Coordinator Jean Lin rallied disability activists, community leaders, legislators and supporters on May 25 on the West Steps of the State Capitol. The rally was to demand a fair and balanced state budget and not to be balancing the budget on the needs of the disability community. “Our Voices – Our Choices – Our Lives – Our Vote” was the chant and theme of the day. Despite the rain over 1,000 persons participated and this year was the most diverse.
Jean joined Senator Mark Leno, Assembly member Mariko Yamada and other disability rights leaders in firmly stating the needs of the community.
The rally and action day was coordinated by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and Disability Rights California on behalf of the Disability Action Coalition which includes organizations from throughout the state of California that represents and supports independent living, equality and disability civil rights, and access to quality mental and physical health care services.
The text of Jean’s speech:
"As people with disabilities, it’s our responsibility to direct how we live our own life! Our votes elect policymakers. They work for us. We are the lobbyists and advisers. It is our responsibility to tell our own stories! Let us remove the barriers so all of us can live the quality of life that we want for ourselves. No one wants to waste money! Our government should not be flushing money down the drain on nursing homes or huge jails, institutions where no one is a winner! People with disabilities want to live independently to drive our own life journey! IHSS is our steering wheel and the wheels that will get us to where we want to go! Not nursing homes!"
"So let our story be heard! Don’t give anyone the excuse that we are not fighting for our equal rights, equal access, and equal voice!"
"Actually, let’s all pledge today that we will register at least 20 new voters by next election day! Let’s be proud of our right to vote for a barrier-free and universal accessible community for our future and futures to come!"
