Voter Trainings

Hundreds of Iowans with disabilities attended free Voter Trainings that were held across the state in the months prior to Election Day. The trainings discussed new voting laws and let participants have hands-on practice with the voting equipment. Check out some of the photos below.

Iowa State Fair Declares Opening Day “ID Action Day!”

There was a incredible turnout at the ID Action booth at the 2008 Iowa State Fair on opening day. It was great to see several familiar faces and ID Action T-shirts! Visitors to the booth were able to pick a presidential candidate-on-a-stick and vote for their favorite fair events and food by trying out accessible voting equipment. Thank you to Gano Whetstone and Janice Hoffman for volunteering to help distribute information at the booth! We also had a special visit from Abbey Curran, Miss Iowa-USA, who has cerebral palsy and is very involved in the disability community.

ID Action News

Congratulations to Gano Whetstone, ID Action's 2009 Citizen of the Year!

It was her participation in past Advocating Change Days that encouraged ID Action’s 2009 Citizen of the Year to begin her advocacy efforts. Gano Whetstone has been sharing her story ever since.

“The relationships I’ve formed with legislators and others to help everyone with disabilities have been tremendous for me,” says Gano. “Let your opinion be heard, your legislators really want to hear from you.”

Gano successfully completed the 2008 Lobbyist Apprentice Program. On her own, she raised enough money for a staff member and herself to go to Washington DC to advocate for people with disabilities on a federal level.

She is politically active, participating in political campaigns, speaking to candidates on education and mental health issues and sharing her struggles with mental illness. However, she still finds time to help out in her community. Gano is active in her church and the Foster Godparents program which helps children with learning disabilities improve their reading skills and confidence levels.

Congratulations Gano!

Another Great Year for Advocating Change Day!

Nearly 800 Iowans with disabilities traveled to the Capitol from across the state for the 2009 ID Action Advocating Change Day event. These individuals received training from professional lobbyists to develop their advocacy messages and effectively deliver them to their legislators and elected officials.

As one of the presenting speakers at the Advocating Change Day rally, Secretary of State Michael Mauro encouraged participants to register to vote and to continue their advocacy in their communities.

“It is the commitment and passion from individuals such as all of you that result in change,” says Mauro. “You make the difference. It is my hope that you realize how important and powerful your voice truly is.”

It’s up to you to keep the momentum going throughout the year. Look for ways to get involved in your community and keep checking  the ID Action Web site for more information about upcoming events and additional advocacy opportunities.

The event is hosted by the Secretary of State’s Office, ID Action, Iowa’s Developmental Disabilities Council, Polk County Health Services and Deaf Services Commission of Iowa.