Candidate Responses

Naomi d. jakobsson

Candidate for State Representative

District 103

PO Box 273
Champaign, IL 61824

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Do you believe that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else?

YES

Do you believe that individuals with disabilities should be the primary decision maker in their lives?

YES

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

Will you make it a priority to include people with disabilities as part of your political team and/or as advisors on relevant issues?

YES

If YES, how do you intend to do so?

I will continue to invite people with disabilities to participate on my advisory committees, attend and support PACE, Inc., and consult with people with disabilities about various issues such as accessibility, technology, and all concerns. I am a contributing member of PACE, Inc.

TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Do you support legislative measures to require that Internet technologies be made accessible to and usable by people with disabilities in Illinois?

YES

What measures would you propose to ensure that consumer electronic and telecommunications devices are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities in Illinois?

I will continue to learn what is available and listen to the concerns of my constituents regarding their needs. I have been and will continue to support those who are experts in the field of assistive technology to make sure the needs are met and are affordable.

INTEGRATED COMMUNITY LIVING

Do you support funding mechanisms, such as "Money Follows the Person," that allow people with disabilities in Illinois who are currently unnecessarily institutionalized to move into integrated settings?

YES

How would you increase opportunities for people with disabilities in Illinois to live in the most integrated settings?

I have been, and will continue, working with other legislators to increase funding for community based services.

How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants in Illinois?

We must make sure that "Money Follows the Person" is implemented. When money follows the person, it should be available for direct care workers in the community. Higher pay for workers should be looked at as an investment.

HOUSING

What would you do to increase the availability of affordable, accessible, integrated housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families?

I support increasing the funding for programs that would make it possible to increase housing needs for low and moderate income people with disabilities and their families. Funding opportunities can include various incentives such as: rental support, low-interest loans, and tax breaks. These should be viewed as investments in the community.

EMPLOYMENT

What steps would you take to reduce employment barriers and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities in your district and in the entire state of Illinois?

The state should ensure that employers eliminate obstacles to employment of people with disabilities. I will work with other legislators to work towards this goal. Employers should be aware of available assistive technology and work towards a work environment beginning with the application and interview process to necessary accommodations.

EDUCATION

Federal and state laws require that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment and that appropriate accommodations and support services are provided to them. How would you ensure that these laws are enforced in Illinois?

I have worked with parents and my local schools on issues concerning children with special needs. My door will continue to be open to assist, whether it is advocating for particular students or working on legislation when needed. I am the sponsor of the legislation that directs a needs study for twice exceptional students. The bill awaits action in the Senate.

HEALTHCARE

What steps would you take to ensure that people with disabilities in Illinois have access to affordable, quality health care that is responsive to their individual needs?

All citizens, regardless of disabilities, should have access to affordable health care. I will continue to work towards affordable, accessible health care for everyone.

How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities in Illinois?

Veterans, as well as non-veterans, should have access to quality health and rehabilitation services. I regularly meet with veterans to discuss their needs. I have worked with constituents who needed an advocacte to gain access to their needed health care and I will continue to do so. I introduced (and it was adopted) a House Resolution that asked the VA to provide services to women veterans who go to VA hospitals. In addition, I am a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus and through that caucus I learn of state-wide veterans' issues and work to address them.

TRANSPORTATION

What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Illinois, especially in rural areas?

I will continue to work with my local mass transit district on this issue. I recently attended a county-wide meeting that addressed the expansion of rural public transportation. I will continue to work with that group and any groups or individuals who are advocating expansion of transportation for people with disabilities. Further, I am a member of the Rail Transportation Caucus. Over the last two years our focus was to get more Amtrak service in Illinois. As a result, Amtrak has increased service from Chicago to Carbondale with additional trains.

VOTING

What steps would you take to ensure that voters with disabilities in Illinois are able to vote privately and independently?

As we move to more advanced technology in the polling places, we need to be assured that privacy is guarded for all voters and especially for people with disabilities. I will be happy to accompany constituents to view accomodations if they feel the equipment is not user-friendly or private. I have heard our county clerk speak at a PACE event as he described the latest equipment. If I remember correctly, there were no complaints at that time.