Easter Seals goes to the White House
by Katy
James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals, joined leaders from other national disability organizations for a briefing at the White House last week. The briefing was hosted by Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Dale is the first-ever assistant focused on disability. His appointment was announced by vice-president Biden at the Winter Special Olympic Games. an article in the Chicago Sun-Times explains Dale’s appointment like this:
Biden said the new position is proof of the administration’s commitment to
bettering conditions for persons with disabilities. Biden said of Dale: “He is going to have absolutely direct access to the President. What we’re trying to do is make sure that not only do we deal with getting support for what you’re seeing happening at these Winter Games, but also to make sure that persons with disabilities are in position to also be in the work force, so they don’t have to choose, like many have to do now, between staying in a job that’s a dead-end job that they don’t like, or else leaving a job that they like because it’s the only way to get health care.
At the White House meeting, Williams joined leaders of other national disability organizations encouraging President Obama to prioritize the needs of individuals with autism and other disabilities in health care reform.
The exchange included a discussion of ways to increase the ability of children and adults with autism and other disabilities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Being invited to this briefing gave Easter Seals the opportunity to stress the importance of person-centered and lifespan-focused health care to White House officials.