ADAPT Action in Chicago

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2007

Contact: Bob Kafka (512) 431-4085 Marsha Katz (406) 544-9504 Gary Arnold (773) 425-2536

ADAPT Visits AFSCME Offices, Demands They Stop Trampling on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Elderly

Where: 29 North Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60606

When: Now

ADAPT has requested that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) endorse the Community Choice Act (formerlyknown as Micassa). Despite multiple meetings with the union's leadership, AFSCME has refused to endorse the legislation or support the rights of people with disabilities and the elderly to receive community-baseds ervices instead of being forced into a nursing home or other institution. In fact, AFSCME has undercut efforts of ADAPT and thedisability community to address the institutional bias in long term services and supports by actively advocating for increased funding for institutions. AFSCME has even lobbied that institutions like Lincoln Developmental Center be reopened even though this proposal was vigorouslyopposed by the disability community.

AFSCME has repeatedly trampled on the human and civil rights of people with disabilities and the elderly. The union has sacrificed the freedomof people with disabilities and the elderly to increase their own membership and union dues, stealing lives to line their own pockets.

This must stop. ADAPT demands AFSCME immediately endorse the Community Choice Act and work with ADAPT to develop a strategy for the union to promote workers' rights without sacrificing the rights of people with disabilities and the elderly. Right now, hundreds of disability activists have occupied the office building at 29 North Wacker Drive in Chicago. There is a negotiating team of local ADAPT activists on the 8th floor.