Obama will try to help disabled students (2)

Obama, who will be sworn in as president on Jan. 20. 2009, outlined in his proposal that disabled adults should be able to get full-time jobs, without the risk of losing any health or medical benefits. In Barackobama.com, the president-elect said he will fund a special program to pay for medical insurance in case the new employees won’t qualify for existing Medicare or other type of current coverage.

“This incentive is favorable, but it has to be taken in context,” said Dr. Olivia Raynor. “We are willing to work with him and want to see what Mr. Obama is able to do.”

Obama also proposed the creation of a special program for individuals with autism.

Norm Crozer, director of special education at Pierce Community College, said he believes in the Obama plan. However, he doubts much of it can become reality.

“I believe it’s a great idea. But I don’t see how he’s going to accomplish it. I think he will find a lot of obstacles on the road,” Crozer said. “Unfortunately, not all Obama wants will be able to get from Congress.”

Crozer said any subsidy for education can be welcomed, particularly in harsh economic times in California. Currently in Sacramento, another round of proposed cutbacks to community college funds are being discussed. Unfortunately, Crozer said, many people will look at medical subsidies as a handout similar to the homeless.

“In California, with the budget cutbacks we face, any federal aid will be beneficial. One would think more services and programs will be cut. It will be good if the federal government makes up for the shortfall,” Crozer said.

If the new two-year program that would focus on emerging technologies becomes reality, it will generate a lot of interest in the community to sign up for it. It would also produce new sources of revenues for the community colleges system, because students will use portions of their funds to cover educational expenses. In addition, a new set of income would have to be found to fund special services programs linked to the new students, Crozer said.

Obama also proposed the formation of a National Commission on Employment and Social Security for disabled people. During his first term, Obama said he will enact the CLASS law to allow independent disabled individuals to live in their houses, and be able to find jobs near their communities. Obama also proposed to cut taxes to corporations and businesses that hire people with disabilities.

Duran said the president-elect should launch a broad health preventive program for all the population to improve the general physical well being of students, people with disabilities and adults and children. These program would improve bad eating and nutritional habits of young, adults and pregnant women.

“I believe Obama has to put his words where his mouth is. Is easy to talk, but he has to prove what he is really able to approve,” Duran said.