Media Advisory

Contacts:
UCP: Lauren Cozzi, 202-973-7114, & Alicia Kubert Smith, 202-973-7168, AAPD: Lara Schwartz, 202-521-4309, 

Representatives from Interfaith Religious Community & Disability Organizations Host Web Chat Discussing Importance of Medicaid for People with Disabilities

Washington, DC (November 8, 2011) - the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), and the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC) – a diverse, nonpartisan coalition of religious and religiously affiliated organizations whose core spiritual values affirm the rights and dignity of people with disabilities – will host a public web chat to discuss current deficit reduction strategies while representing a broad cross-section of the nation’s various faith traditions on Thursday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. EST.

As the US Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the “Supercommittee”) continues to deliberate and craft proposals concerning the federal budget, it is important that the voices of the faith community be a vibrant part of the national conversation. Americans of many faiths support policies and programs that promote independence and dignity for people with disabilities. Medicaid is a tool that enables millions of Americans with disabilities to enjoy these freedoms, including contributing to their communities, families and congregations.

Participating IDAC members will share their unique perspectives about why Medicaid must be preserved for people with disabilities. The public can engage in the web chat by submitting questions to and logging in to engage in the conversation.

 WHO:            Hosted by AAPD, UCP & IDAC. Participants include Mark Perriello,
                        AAPD President and CEO; Khizer Husain of American Muslim Health
                        Professionals; and the following IDAC members:

• Meg Cooch, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Lutheran Services in America Disability Network, “When thinking about deficit reduction and balancing the budget, we must apply our faith values to possible proposals. Medicaid allows people with disabilities the opportunity to be full participants in our society by providing critical services and job supports.”
• David Feinman, Senior Legislative Associate, the Jewish Federations of North America, “Considering the challenges the ‘Supercommittee’ and the rest of the Congress face coming to a consensus on most issues, it is critical that they hear from people who want to have a constructive conversation.” 
• Maggie Mitchell Siddiqi, Islamic Society of North America, "In Islam, we are instructed to protect the dignity of every human being and provide help for those in need. As a Muslim, I believe in the importance of preserving safety net programs like Medicaid, which help people maintain their dignity and self-sufficiency.”
• Khizer Husain, Member, Task Force on Health Affordability, American Muslim Health Professionals, "My faith compels me to advocate for the neediest, particularly if it involves sacrifice."

WHAT:          Web Chat: Protecting Medicaid Across Faith Lines for People                
                       with Disabilities

WHEN:         Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. EST

WHERE:       http://bit.ly/smog5m

EMAIL:         Anyone may submit questions to

To learn more about AAPD and UCP’s joint efforts to ensure quality healthcare and access to care, please visit America’s Supercommittee at www.ucp.org/public-policy/america-s-super-committee.

About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visitwww.ucp.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation's largest cross-disability organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Visit www.AAPD.com for more information. 

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