#HandsOff is a series on The Arc Blog where individuals and families across The Arc’s network share their stories about how some of today’s key policy issues impact their day to day lives.
During August Recess, members of Congress return to their home states to meet with their constituents. It’s the perfect time for advocates to meet with legislators and tell them #HandsOff important programs – like Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and much more.
Nobody says #HandsOff during August Recess better than Anthony Nash! Anthony is an active self-advocate in his home state of Washington. He is a member of The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates and The Arc of Washington’s Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL) coalition. Anthony also serves on the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and the board of Disability Rights Washington.
Anthony has fought for issues important to people with disabilities for several years. Here’s what he had to say about advocacy during August Recess:
How did you get involved in advocacy?
I used to work in a sheltered workshop. I got pushed around a lot and even called the r-word there. So one day, I went to the library and asked the librarian for books on disability rights. I read about how people with disabilities have [the same] equal rights as any other person. After that, I joined some advocacy groups and started to stand up for myself.
What does being a self-advocate mean to you?
Self-advocacy means quite a bit to me. A lot of people look down on people with disabilities and think we can’t amount to anything. I do everything I can to prove them wrong. Being a self-advocate lets me show others that we are equal, that we deserve respect, and that we should not be discriminated against in any manner.
Why do you think it is important for people with disabilities to advocate for programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) during August Recess?
These programs are our lifeline! Most of our leaders don’t understand that these programs cover significant needs. Since I was four years old, SSI has helped to pay for my food, clothes, transportation, and other living expenses. I use Medicaid to pay for the medicine and doctor visits I need. Self-advocates need to speak up during August Recess when legislators are back home so they know why these programs are important to us.
Ready to join Anthony in saying #HandsOff during August Recess? Take a few minutes to call YOUR Members of Congress and tell them why Medicaid and SSI are important to you. Then encourage your family and friends to call, too!
I am the business owner of JustCBD label (justcbdstore.com) and I’m presently trying to grow my wholesale side of business. It would be great if someone at targetdomain is able to provide some guidance ! I thought that the best way to accomplish this would be to connect to vape shops and cbd stores. I was hoping if anybody could recommend a dependable site where I can get Vape Shop B2B Data List I am presently checking out creativebeartech.com, theeliquidboutique.co.uk and wowitloveithaveit.com. Unsure which one would be the best selection and would appreciate any assistance on this. Or would it be much simpler for me to scrape my own leads? Ideas?
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the rest of the site is extremely good.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the net. I will recommend this web site!
May I simply just say what a comfort to discover an individual who actually understands what they are discussing on the internet. You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular because you surely possess the gift.
Great information. Lucky me I ran across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thank you for supplying this information.