Candidate Responses

Kay hatcher

Candidate for State Representative

District 50

7437 State Route 71
Yorkville, IL 60560

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CIVIL RIGHTS

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

People with disabilities should have the same rights as others.

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

People with disabilities should be the primary decision maker in their lives.

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, as I always have, make it a priority to include people with disabilities as part of my resource team by including both professionals and generalists on my local advisory committee. We all become smarter and stronger working together hearing diverse opinions.

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?

Having been a telecommunications executive for many years, I recognize the significant value global communications brings to leveling the playing field for the challenged. I support legislative measures to ensure this important tool, and would work with industry professionals to spearhead legislative initiatives.

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?

I support funding mechanisms that allow people with disabilities in Illinois to move into integrated living settings if it is appropriate for their particular issue. One size does not fit all - depending on the challenge and particular situation, sometimes a state institution is truly a better choice. It must be addressed on an individual basis.

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

Public education and expanded funding/community partnerships will increase these opportunties for living choices.

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

These same tools, with emphasis on community understanding and community college training, will enhance the caretaker shortage.

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?

Increasing the availability of appropriate housing opportunities can most strongly be impacted by public education and evaluating Federal housing programs. After education, researching possible untapped financial resources currently going to other states may well be our most valuable tool

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?

Improving employment opportunities can start with the basics; a State of Illinois written, stated committment to hiring the disabled. Greater promotion of organizations such as Project With Industry, which I led for many years, continues to raise needed awareness - turning tax users into tax payers - creating a positive relationship for all involved. The business gains through incentives and long-term, committed employees, the community gains through increased economic development and the individual gains personal independence and self esteem.

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?

As a school board member, I gained important experience concerning the State Board of Education and its responsibility for educating students in the least restrictive environment possible. It's an important initiative that cannot be lost. I believe in mainstreaming, but I believe that the student/parent/guardian should have the latitude to make the choice most appropriate for their situation.

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?

My years of experience serving people with disabilities have taught me an important lesson; legislators need to better understand the challenges people with disabilities face accessing healthcare. Medicaid payments are so remiss that it is increasingly difficult to even find a physician who will accept new patients. Everyone needs to better understand the significant barriers faced by these 2 1/2 million Illinois residents.

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

Currently, the Division of Rehabilitation Services addresses veterans' needs as a separate funding element.

TRANSPORTATION

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

Creative use of existing federal, state and local resources is the best formula to expand access to transportation. These pooled resources can be difficult to coordinate, but are worth the work. In the 50th District, both Ride in Kane and Kendall County's outreach to rural communities through a number of funding sources is a step in the right direction. I would support ensuring state/local matches: JARC, New Freedom Initiative, Downstate Operating Assistance and others.

VOTING

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

Voters with disabilities must be able to vote privately and independently. This has traditionally been accomplished through absentee voting or personalized aid within the voting booth, and is increasingly accomplished through adaptive technology. Especially as America ages, there is increasing awareness of the need to include everyone - whatever their abilities - in the elective process. It can only get better, and as a legislator I will work to ensure that right.