Candidate Responses

amanda howland

Candidate for State Representative

District 51

PO Box 364
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

(312) 218-4992

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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?

N/A

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 do not have any specific proposals at this time, however, I recognize that access to such devices is imperative and greatly enhances quality of life.

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 work to ensure that we provide adequate funding and insurance coverage for integrated settings.

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

We need to make sure that direct care is covered by insurance policies. We also need to make sure that direct care workers earn a decent wage.

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?

We need to work with the federal government to provide more affordable loans for families. We also need to push the State to provide more affordable housing throughout the state and locate housing near public transportation.

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?

With support, most people with disabilities are productive members of our society. we need to make sure that educational opportunities are available to all. Then we need to protect our disabled from discrimination in the work place. I will work to provide employment opportunities for all.

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 former special education teacher, I've actively fought for the "least restrictive environment" and will continue to do so. I can use my education background and experience to discuss the issues and provide firsthand insight.

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?

I will work to provide affordable insurance and healthcare for all.

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

We need to fully fund our VA services. We also need to monitor the quality of care that is provided. Our vets sacrificed much and it is our responsibility to be sure they are cared for.

TRANSPORTATION

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

Transportation is a major problem in Illinois. We need to invest more in public transportation to make sure that all transportation is accessible to those with disabilities.

VOTING

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

I worked as an "Election Protection Attorney" in Ohio in 2004. I have also worked as an election judge. I will do whatever necessary to insure that NO voter is disenfranchised.