I have noticed that the Democratic presidential candidates are wooing the previously neglected 38 to 48 million Latino voters.

I encourage both parties to take note of another sleeping-giant in American politics: 54 million voters with disabilities. Thanks to the new Helping Americans Vote Act, a federal and state legislative initiative, every polling site will be equipped to ensure access for all persons with disabilities.

The disability community will be actively mobilizing citizens with disabilities to register to vote and express their concerns at the polls. Some of these include maintaining and strengthening our civil rights protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. There is a need for improvements in and access to adequate health care coverage that includes prescription drugs and mental health parity. There is also a need to support programs that promote self-determination and empowerment rather than dependency. And lastly, the need to remove barriers to employment so that those of us who are disabled and still able to work can work our way out of poverty. Candidates, speak out on our issues. We are listening!

Donna Kruck

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living