Disability Awareness Day brings many advocates to the State Capitol

Advocates, policymakers, and community leaders came together to raise awareness and bring change for those facing disabilities in Mississippi.

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Awareness and change, that is what advocates like resident Scott Crawford said when asked about the importance of Disability Awareness Day. As Crawford and others continue to speak out, they hope to secure better policies for all those dealing with disabilities in Mississippi.

The yearly event, hosted by the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, aimed to give people the chance to speak with lawmakers about upcoming legislation to help the disability community.

“That’s what we are here to address, and we have a list of bills that we are either for or against. And, we are going to write to our legislators and visit with them today,” Crawford said.

Cards were available to all who attended, where people could write down which bills they are for or against. Those are then sent to specific Representatives or Senators.

Currently, 36% of Mississippi’s population lives with a disability, totaling over 824,000 people.

This is why officials are continuing advocacy efforts for many bills right now, including Senate Bill 2393 which would tweak existing law.

“It is a bill that would help individuals save money into a bank account, and that money in the account won’t count against any of their public benefits. So, that’s a law that is already in place, but this year we are trying to make a tweak to that that allows them to not worry [about] the Medicaid and state recovery in those accounts. So that’s something we are hoping for,” Billy Taylor, Executive Director with MS Department of Rehabilitation Services, said.

Crawford did note the great work already done throughout the state, including the nearly $20 million grant to create ADA-compliant sidewalks on the East and West I-55 frontage roads.

Still, advocates are pressing forward for more change, and Crawford is asking you to speak out to your state leaders to help their efforts.

“I encourage you, if you are not happy with what is going on in Government right now, speak to your legislators. Use your voice. This is participatory democracy and we have a role to play,” Crawford said.

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