| From the CEO
For many Gen Z and Millennials, the term “REV UP” conjures flashbacks to SpongeBob SquarePants, when a character enters the Krusty Krab and encourages them to “Rev UP those fryers."
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But with November 5th just around the corner, my call to RevUP is in reference to another initiative.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is working to “increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities” and they are spreading the message encouraging those with disabilities to Register, Educate, Vote, and Use your Power or REV UP. AAPD, founded by Senator Bob Dole, Representative Tony Coelho, and advocates Justin Dart and Judy Heuman, educates and advocates of disability issues, including to ensure that each person with a disability knows the power of their vote and to build civic engagement and improve the accessibility of elections.
There are 70 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD and AWSF want you to know how and where to vote. We want you to work with us to ensure (and improve, if necessary) the accessibility of elections. Election Day is November 5th. Polls will open at 6 AM. If you are in line to vote when the polls close at 6PM…you can still vote. Stay there! Make known any accommodations you may need to vote. If your ability to vote is challenged, ask for a provisional ballot. Read the Leadership Fort Wayne article below to learn of key dates and steps for having your vote included.
If you don’t know who is on the ballot, where your polling location is, or any other specific information, the IndianaVoters.in.gov voter portal will link you to this and more information. This website also provides a form for those with print disabilities to facilitate their voting.
We are stronger together. “…condemn and put a stop to the use of language, jokes and incorrect information that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about and prejudices against disabled people” – AAPD. Let’s work together to end ableism at the polls.
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Universal Design Series: Voting Preparation
by Joni Schmalzried
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In July I wrote an article titled ‘Accessibility + Inclusion = Universal Design.’ I want to thank everyone who really thought about the concept and responded with a call, an email, or even a potential request for funding. Since Universal Design is an important concept that impacts so much of what we do, we have decided to regularly include it in our newsletter.
Today’s issue is about the importance of voting and encouraging ALL who are eligible to take advantage of that right and responsibility. At first blush – most people think about the actual act of voting (which is critically important, of course). Universal Design around voting access includes more - getting to/from and into a polling location, being able to access and navigate a ballot, language support if needed, providing screen readers, etc. These are all things that can be pre-conceived and prepared in advance, designed to meet the needs of those who choose to vote.
Another, equally important, aspect of Universal Design and voting is how individuals access the knowledge needed to make an informed decision at the polls. You can give me a physically universally designed space, but if I haven’t been given access to information – does that really help? We know that people with disabilities were three times more likely to face barriers to voting in 2022 (Nonprofit Vote). This may have been barriers to physical access or barriers to preparing to cast a ballot.
November will soon be upon us, but all of these Universally Designed educational ideas apply to almost any topic:
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- Hosting a webinar on voting information? Be sure to turn on captioning.
- Posting an image to social media? Be sure to use the “alt tag” features. Free online tools also exist to help simplify language or check for color contrast to ensure readability.
- QR codes can also be an interactive way to engage people, but always include the link in case a device can’t scan the QR code.
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Visiting a polling location (or any site for that matter) in advance can help to get a feel for the location and identify any areas of concern.
- Presenting clear and understandable information like key dates, voting locations, transportation options, etc. is essential. Providing reminders of key dates can further make voting more accessible.
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The goal of Universal Design (educationally) is to ensure information can be accessed and understood by any person, regardless of physical or intellectual ability. This communicates in a way that everyone’s voice and experience are seen, heard, and valued.
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Leadership Fort Wayne Voting Initiative
by: Jessa Campbell, LFW Participant
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We are wrapping up our collaboration with the Leadership Fort Wayne Community Action Project (CAP) team whose work helped raise awareness on the accessibility of voting for those managing elections and voters. The group has been hard at work attending events, raising awareness, and assisting the Board of Elections in connecting with NEIDAC and the disability advocacy community.
As we near the election season, we hope you share your voice and utilize the accessible voting options available. The following are dates to keep in mind and some helpful reminders!
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- Step 1: Register to Vote by October 7
Check your registration status or register to vote here.
Be sure to also update your information on your address if you’ve moved. - Step 2: Know Your Accessible Voting Options
- Absentee Voting Deadlines:
- Absentee Voting-by-Mail – applications due to the Board of Elections (received) by October 24 at 11:59 PM (not postmarked)
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If you’d like to vote by mail – registered voters can apply here before October 24.
- Absentee Voting for Voters with Print Disabilities – applications due by October 7
Apply here for Voters with Print Disabilities
- Absentee Voting by Travel Board
If you are unable to access polling locations due to illness, disability, or confinement, you can request a bi-partisan team to bring a traveling board to you. You’ll need to be a registered voter and schedule the traveling board before noon on the day before Election Day.
- Early Voting in Person
- Vote in-person early at the Rousseau Center (1 E Main St) starting October 8 and at Satellite Locations starting October 28 until November 2. Learn more at AllenCountyINVoters.gov
- Vote on Election Day at Your Polling Location
- Election Day is Tuesday, November 5
Verify your voter registration and find your polling location/precinct here. -
If voting in person, please know that voting machines offer magnifying devices, contrast text, double-talk readers, and mechanisms for you to use the machines on your lap. Plus, you’re welcome to be accompanied and receive assistance from another person in the voting booth. Learn more here.
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Step 3: Educate Yourself
- Learn about the candidates on your ballot, see a sample ballot, and get the election information you need to cast your vote by visiting Vote411.org. This resource is provided by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.
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On September 28, you’re invited to attend the Lead the Vote Event at the YLNI Farmers Market at Barr Street from 10 AM to 1 PM. YLNI's Lead The Vote event will feature booths to assist unregistered citizens to become registered voters, opportunities to hear from candidates across party lines, and special musical guests. Learn more here.
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AWS Foundation News & Reminders
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Claim or Submit a Listing! |
Indianadisabilityresourcefinder.org is an online resource designed to collect and organize contact and service information from providers across Indiana, giving you 24/7 access to the community resources aimed to improve your quality of life. The site is always in need of professionals, volunteers and organizations to contribute to our growing list of services and information.
There are three ways to become a resource for the FINDER community:
1. Share a link to a helpful website or service.
2. Upload an informative article or video.
3. Join FINDER as a Service Provider.
A simple four-step registration process for new FINDER contributors and providers is available at IndianaDisabilityResourceFINDER.org. All submissions are reviewed and verified prior to publication.
You can also claim a listing that already exists. Go to IndianaDisabilityResourceFINDER.org and search for your organization. On the provider page, you will see the following button:
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Click that button and follow the instructions to claim. It's that easy!
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We are happy to have members of the community use our universally designed meeting space for free. Periodically we supply the Community Food Pantries set up by Forward Indiana. We have a bin in our office to take donations for these pantries. If you're using our space and your group would like to help, bring us nonperishable food, hygiene items, formula, or winter supplies (hats, gloves, scarves, or hot hands) and we will be sure these valuable pantries are restocked.
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Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant Open |
The Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant awards up to $25,000 to one applicant each year to support special projects focused on including people with disabilities in the local arts communities of Northeast Indiana. The application is currently open and closes September 27. For more information, go to our website.
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