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Robert Pritchard Candidate for State Representative District 70
Back to Candidate Questionnaire |
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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 am in regular contact with agencies serving people with disabilities and staff are on my event committees. 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? Equipment is available through the Illinois Assistive Technology Program. Share information about the availability. 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? Provide grants to community agencies to buy or build appropriate units. How will you address the shortage of community direct care attendants in Illinois? Encourage educational institutions to discuss careers, work with organizations to produce career information, support competitive salary reimbursements. 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? Encourage municipalities to encourage such housing in their zoning and development plans. Encourage developers and advocates for the disabled to work together for grants and incentives. Provide state grants thru HFS. 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? Work with advocates in sponsoring legislation and information. Sponsor and participate in programs to involve community leaders in a “walk in their shoes” exercise. 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? Work with any constituents who have concerns to see that schools and agencies are abiding by and enforcing the laws. 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? Encourage DHS and HFS to increase the Medicaid funding and payment cycle. How would you improve the quality of health and rehabilitation services provided to veterans with disabilities in Illinois? Proper state and federal funding; fill vacancies at veteran clinics and housing facilities; improve the community services which would also be available to veterans; engage Governor and legislators in discussions and visits. TRANSPORTATION What would you do to expand access to affordable, accessible transportation for people with disabilities in Illinois, especially in rural areas? I have been working with 2 counties in my district to establish a public transportation service. All currently provide service to shelters and workshops. VOTING What steps would you take to ensure that voters with disabilities in Illinois are able to vote privately and independently? I am not aware of any problems in my district. This is the responsibility of the County Clerk and elections officials.
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