And the war goes on.

ISM

-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 1999 3:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: ADAPT Sends Message to NGA



    ***** Press Release *****

 For Immediate Release

 For information:  Bob Kafka  512/431-4085

 Subject:     ADAPT Sends Message to NGA --
  Or How Many Police Does It Take to Stop a Wheelchair User Who is Out of
the
 Wheelchair?

 ADAPT concluded three days of protests at the annual conference of the
 National Governors Assn (NGA) in St. Louis by delivering a set of demands
 that would result in the implementation of the "most integrated setting"
 requirement of the American with Disabilities Act.

 Four individuals, demands in hand, got out of their wheelchairs and
 attempted to deliver a message to the security surrounded Governors,
however
 the hundreds of police who are encircling the NGA conference location
stopped
 the delivery. One individual was arrested but  later released.  Their
message
 was that ADAPT's demand that the Governors meet and discuss the
implementation
 of the Supreme Court ruling (on the Olmstead v LC & EW case) on "most
 integrated setting".

 The NGA created a "Governors Ghetto" by encircling their hotel, the Adams
 Mark, with hundreds of police officers and security personnel to protect
 themselves from people with disabilities.  The NGA arrested 33 individuals
for
 advocating for the right to choose where they live and receive attendant
 services.

 The only Governor who spoke with ADAPT was Gov. Jessie Ventura, who assured
 ADAPT members he would attempt to set up a meeting between ADAPT and the
NGA.

 The NGA has officially refused to meet with ADAPT, though they repeatedly
 tell the media they are setting up meetings.  ADAPT is committed to meeting
 with the NGA and each individual Governor to assure that no individual with
a
 disability will be forced into an nursing home or other institution.

 The dispute is one of Civil Rights vs States Rights, at stake the
 opportunity for freedom and self-determination of millions of Americans,
 perhaps -- one day -- even you.
                                                                      -30-





--


FOR MORE INFORMATION on ADAPT:
        Please visit our website at http://www.adapt.org/

For direct inquiries regarding this press release please use the contact
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