skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, December 30, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100. Unions, worker co-ops tackle historic wealth gap; NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical word of the year; AL higher-ed conference to address workforce, boost student transfers.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Former President and humanitarian Jimmy Carter dies at age 100, extended funding for 9 11 responders is cut from the federal budget, and Republicans prepare a major overhaul of the nation's voting procedures.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

play audio
Play

Monday, September 9, 2024   

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating community and building empowerment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 2024 more than 2.9 million adults in Pennsylvania are living with a disability.

Mallory Hudson - disability justice program director with the Keystone Progress Education Fund - said this week, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take time to host voter registration and education events, organize candidate forums on disability issues, and engage with elected officials.

"We at Keystone Progress Education Fund are using this week to kick off our first of many voter-registration drives, at skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes across Allegheny County," said Hudson. "More than 125,000 people live in all the skilled nursing facilities and personal care homes across Pennsylvania."

Hudson added that if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as those without, 1.75 million more votes could have been cast in the 2020 General Election.

She added that this November, Pennsylvania's 19 Electoral College votes make it influential in presidential races.

And the state's voters will also elect members of congress, state senators and representatives, as well as other state-level officials.

Hudson said improving election accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a positive approach to shaping inclusive futures for Pennsylvanians.

She also explained that many barriers hinder people with disabilities from exercising their full voting rights.

Examples include inaccessible polling places, insufficient training for poll workers on accessible ballot-marking devices, and misconceptions about the capacity of disabled voters, and more.

"Pennsylvania does not allow curbside voting at any polling places, whether they are Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible," said Hudson. "If you arrive at your polling place on Election Day and you are still unable to get inside, you can go to your county election office to apply for an Emergency Alternative Ballot. But then this accessibility issue may become a transportation issue."

Hudson explained that for a polling place to be considered ADA accessible, it must meet certain standards for parking, passenger drop-off areas, entrances, interior and exterior routes, ramps, lifts and elevators - to be considered accessible for people who use mobility aids and those who are blind or have low vision.

Hudson added that ADA standards are the bare minimum and they do not guarantee accessibility for people with disabilities.



Disclosure: Keystone Progress contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Energy Policy, Environment, Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
PFAS exposure can cause developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone changes and behavioral changes, according to the EPA. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

The latest Environmental Protection Agency data show over 11 million more people than in earlier estimates have the chemicals known as PFAS in their d…


Social Issues

play sound

Proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service are causing concern for Illinoisans. Reduced delivery days and "Forever" stamp price increases are just …

play sound

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service Col…


According to New York State's Energy Research and Development Authority, energy storage and grid modernization jobs grew by 7% in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

One of New York State's first energy storage deadlines is fast approaching. A roadmap established earlier this year sets a state goal of developing 6…

Social Issues

play sound

As winter sets in for Pennsylvania, it is crucial to be cautious of fall hazards, especially for seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and …

Iowa is the nation's number one hog producer, which is a huge economic driver for the state, but the industry also produces more than 100 billion pounds of manure every year. (Adobe Stock)

play sound

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration A …

Environment

play sound

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers for El Paso Matters.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

Social Issues

play sound

If you have any unpaid traffic or parking tickets, the latest report on Wisconsin's municipal courts said in some areas, you could go to jail if you …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021