Category: Public policy
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 12:57 PMA few words with White House special assistant Kareem Dale
Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy, recently spent a few minutes with me discussing employment issues, how health care reform will impact the disability community, and the administration's priorities for 2010.
Dale, who is visually impaired , is originally from Chicago. He served as the National Disability Director for the Obama campaign and has a long history of working on disability issues.
"I was born with a disability and this issue has always been important to me ... We have taken an active role in increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities by launching several initiatives. The response from the community has been overwhelming appreciative and supportive."
Dale thinks that one of the administration's key accomplishments so far has been the passage of the recent hate crimes bill. "It is a landmark piece of legislation that protects people with disabilities ... and demonstrates the president's commitment to treat people with disabilities as equals," he said.
Though most people would not make the connection immediately, Dale said the president's health care reform efforts could also be considered a disability issue. He believes reforming the system will expand the Medicaid program and as a result lower costs and enhance access for people with disabilities.
Given the current economic climate and the many challenges facing individuals with disabilities, it seems the White House will be working on several disability-related issues in 2010.
"We are looking forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will be issuing the final regulations for the implementation of the ADA Amendments Act, but across the board, the administration will continue to seek and pursue opportunities to help level the playing field for all Americans in all areas, but especially education, health care and employment, regardless of their disability."
Thanks to Kareem for sharing his time and thoughts.
