Candidate Responses

patti j. hahn

Candidate for State Representative

District 107

pjhahn107@yahoo.com

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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 - As long as they are their own guardian

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 have two friends that are disabled. They have pledged their support to help me in my campaign and to keep me up to date on issues that affect people with disabilities.

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?

As a legislator I would like to bring organizations such as yours, to the table when legislation is being considered.

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?

Support projects that fund affordable housing so they have the opportunity to live out of an institution.

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

Try to make sure they are paid a fair wage to make those positions more attractive.

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?

See #4ii - The Budget for the state is bad. I cannot say, "When I'm elected funding will be increased." What I will say is I would support this effort.

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?

Establish an incentive for employers. Most people with a disability want to work and be productive. Working with employers to hire people would be a win-win. I believe the Walgreens Warehouse in Mt. Vernon has started this, but I am unsure if they get any incentives.

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?

Monitor legislation and depend on organizations such as yours to help police these areas of concern.

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?

Support funding for quality care, but make sure there are well trained employees that can handle special needs - hearing impaired, sign language...

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

Work with legislators to pass legislation and funding to take care of disabled veterans with "qualified" medical care at the lowest cost possible to the veteran.

TRANSPORTATION

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

The 107th District is a rural area and the residents rely on South Central Transit. When elected, I will do whatever it takes to support funding and ensure they continue to receive their fair share. It is a great service for our elderly and disabled.

VOTING

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

I'm currently a County Treasurer and know that our County Clerk's office has gone to great measures to provide voters the opportunity to vote privately and independently by complying with HAVA (Help America Vote Act 2002).