Candidate Responses

Maria "Toni" Berrios

Candidate for State Representative

District 39

4951 W. Barry Ave, 2nd Fl.
Chicago, IL 60641

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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, except in cases where they are unable to make decisions for themselves.

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?

As I have done so during my three terms in Springfield, I will seek out counsel from advocacy groups and lobbyists for people with disabilities on key issues, especially those impacting their rights, as well as independence. My door has always been open to them and will remain so.

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 chairman of the Bio-technology Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of the House, I will work to assure that legislation regarding high-tech devices does not exclude people with disabilities.

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 would consider additional funding for programs that increase the potential for people with disabilities to live in more integrated settings. El Valor in Chicago, for example, has developed a nationwide reputation for working with people with disabilities and their families to open up more integrated settings to live and work.

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

I would support measures by the advocacy community to increase the numbers, especially helping to develop recruitment and training programs.

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?

In many cases this is an initiative for local municipalities. However, I would consider looking into funding for any state program that would lead to additional low- and moderate-income housing for people with disabilities.

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?

I would consider supporting programs and legislation that would reduce employment barriers and increase job opportunities for people with disabilities.

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?

That is an issue for the federal authorities and state attorney general's office. But if any cases are brought to me I would make the proper referral to ensure the laws are enforced.

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?

Affordable, quality health care - for all, including people with disabilities has been a major issue for me since I was first elected in 2002. I will continue to push for the best care for all residents of Illinois.

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

In addition to funding, I have sponsored community forums in my district for all veterans, including people with disabilities, to provide them direct access to representatives from a wide variety of social service agencies and information.

TRANSPORTATION

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

Again, this is more of an issue for local municipalitities, but I would consider funding for state programs and transit plans that would help provide necessary affordable and accessible transportation for people with disabilities.

VOTING

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

This is more an issue for the local boards of elections in Illinois municipalities. However, if any issues were brought to me I would make sure they were referred to the proper authorities for correction.