The White House hosts talks on disabilities

Presiden Barack Obama invited the leaders of the nation’s top disability organizations last Wednesday to brief them about his administration’s efforts to hire more people with disabilities in the basis of merit, and to explain them what his staff are doing to implement new initiatives for the disabled.

This invitation was the first time ever a president holding office has forwarded aiming to provide people with disabilities an opportunity to shape domestic policy in a tangible way. White House staff said president Obama wants to have hired disabled who are capable to shape policy, not as token positions, or only in disability policy areas.

Kareem Dale, special assistant to the president for disability policy, said Wednesday’s meeting was unprecedented. About 60 presidents and CEOs of almost every major national organization attented the event.

Paul J. Tobin, president of the United Spinal Asociation, who attented the White House, said he was glad the Obama administration is reaching out to disabled in ways never tried out before.

“I’m honered to be a part of this momentous gathering and commend the Adminstration for its willingness to host candid discussions on critical disability issues,” Tobin said.

Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to president Obama, answered: “Consider us to be your partners.”

The meeting took place at the Eisenhower executive office building. Trooper Sanders, Michelle Obama’s deputy policy director, said both Obama and the First Lady are committed to improve conditions for the disabled nationwide. Sanders said the First Lady’s “intimate relationship” with the disabled also makes this cause worth working for.

Don Gips, director of presidential personnel, said they have made progress in hiring senior officials in the White House and federal agencies, as well as touching on plans to appoint more people with disabilities than ever before. He also announced new appointments, including Henry Claypool as director of the office of Disability at Health and Human Services. Gips said this appointment, among others, is critical to improving the lives of people with disabilities related to employment and healthcare.

Jeff Crowley, senior advisor on disability policy on the Domestic Policy Council, mentioned legislative achievements made by this administration, such as the Christopher and Dana Reeves Paralysis Act and the approval of the CHIP legislation, which provides funding to children with disabilities.

Jason Furman, deputy director of the National Economic Council, discussed the important role the disability community has in getting the economic recovery programs working. He also announced that his policy director is a person with a disability that will be starting with him in a few weeks.