Resolution 1005 – Candidates seeking endorsement requested to sign an accessibility pledge

RESOLUTION REQUESTING CANDIDATES SEEKING OR RECEIVING DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENDORSEMENTS TO SIGN AN ACCESSIBILITY PLEDGE TO HOLD EVENTS IN ACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS

WHEREAS the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by congress in 1990, requiring state and local governments as well as buildings open to the public to be accessible to people with disabilities access to all areas of community life; and

WHEREAS  the Washington State Democratic Party Platform notes disabled people have the right to full access to all facets of society and to live with dignity and independence; and 

WHEREAS in the last election cycle at least two fundraising events sponsored by Democrat-endorsed candidates were held in an inaccessible private home, with no information on access included in the invitation, and

WHEREAS it is a direct attack on the dignity of disabled persons when they show up to support a Democratic-endorsed candidate for elected office and are turned away because they are not able to gain access to the facility or location of the event due to lack of accessibility. 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That candidates receiving donations or endorsed by any Democratic organization are expected to hold campaign events in accessible venues whenever possible, will consult with a disabilities advocate, such as a member of the county Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC), chair of the Washington State Democratic Disability Issues Caucus (WSDDIC), or the staff of the Northwest ADA Center to insure accessibility; and 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That where a venue is not accessible, the person responsible for the event will explore options to make it accessible. And if there is no way the venue can be made accessible, the person publicizing the event  will include accessibility information in announcements and invitations to increase access and avoid embarrassment; and  

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED candidates seeking endorsement or support from Democratic party organizations shall be asked to sign an Accessibility Pledge. Suggested copy is attached.:

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Submitted by the Washington State Disabilities Issues Caucus to the Washington State Democratic Central Committee for consideration at it’s May 5, 2023 meeting in Seattle.(Date submitted March 27, 2023)