WHEREAS:

The AFSCME rank and file includes thousands of members with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

Numerous public accommodation and employment barriers still exist despite passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; and

WHEREAS:

There are still undefined areas of the ADA, including the relationship between the ADA and collective bargaining, and some of the effects of the ADA on health insurance and pensions.

WHEREAS:

AFSCME affiliates continue to work to help members with disabilities protect their rights on and off the job; and

WHEREAS:

We, or someone in our families, are likely to develop a disability in the future because of injury or illness; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is a prominent and active member of the disability advocacy movement, which seeks to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

The U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) has called for modifications in the ADA that reduce state and local governments' responsibilities to provide services and employment opportunities to people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

Less commitment by government to meet the goals and standards that include people with disabilities in every aspect of American life sets a troubling precedent for the private sector. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support people with disabilities in their fight for inclusion and equity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International believes that the various regulatory agencies charged with oversight responsibility under the ADA should seek to clarify and properly apply the provisions of the ADA to employees benefits in the public sector to minimize any inadvertent impact that the ADA may have upon the public employee pension and benefit programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work with its partners in the disability advocacy movement to stop measures that limit access to transportation, public accommodations and employment; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to work toward full implementation of the ADA.

SUBMITTED BY:

Albert Diop, President and Delegate
Geri Ruth, Delegate
AFSCME Local 1549, Council 37
New York

Gary Waterhouse, President and Delegate
Curtis Searle, Secretary
Council 15
Connecticut