WHAT: Afternoon forum on issues of interest to the disability community

WHERE: St. Paul's Center, 136 State Street, Augusta,

WHEN: Monday, September 25, 2006 from 1 to 5 p.m.

WHO: People with disabilities, Candidates for Governor: John Baldacci, Patricia LaMarche, Rep. Barbara Merrill and Phillip Morris Napier. For United States Senate: Jean Hay Bright (Staff) and William Slavick. For 1st & 2d Congressional Districts: Rep. Thomas Allen, Rep. Darlene Curley, Dexter Kamilewiczand Mike Michaud (staff). Party Leadership from the Statehouse: Democratic Hannah Pingree, Republican Josh Tardy, and Green John Eder.

WHY: To learn more about candidates' positions on the issues and to inform them of our concerns.

Sponsored by ALL MAINE VOTES, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to encouraging all eligible Maine citizens to exercise their right to vote. Affiliated organizations include: the Advocacy Initiative Network, Consumers for Affordable Health Care, Disability Rights Center, The Brain Injury Association, Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, Maine Statewide Independent Living Council, Maine Center on Deafness, Center for Community Inclusion, Speaking Up For Us, Alpha One, the Iris Network, Maine Office of Secretary of State, Ability Maine, and others.

Come hear the candidates speak on issues of concern toUs!Potential topics include: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); transportation; health care; housing; community services and rehabilitation; employment and community inclusion. Bring your own questions and concerns for the candidates!

Did you know?

• 35 million Americans with disabilities are of voting age
• Voters with disabilities are now one of the largest voting blocs in America
• In the 2000 election, just 41% of eligible voters with disabilities cast a ballot
• If people with disabilities register and vote at the same rate as the rest of the nation, between 5 and 10 million more votes will be cast in the next Presidential election
• YOUR VOTE MATTERS, BUT ONLY IF YOU USE IT!

This is an accessible facility.

Accomodations or Questions? Contact, Ross Doerr Esquire At rdoerr@drcme.org, Disability Rights Center, 24 Stone St., PO Box 2007, Augusta, ME 04338 Tel. 1-800-452-1948 V/TTY

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