Homecare Providers Union Blasts California Governor on ADA Anniversary

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued today by Doug Moore, Executive Director of the 65,000-member UDW Homecare Providers Union:

"As we mark the 20th anniversary of the passage of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this week, California should be leading the way in implementing this historic civil rights breakthrough for people with disabilities.

"We should be working to eliminate barriers in employment, transportation, education and other areas that prevent the disabled from living independently and productively.

"Sadly, thanks to Gov. Schwarzenegger, we are doing just the opposite. Again and again, the governor has proposed cutting or eliminating important programs and services--such as IHSS--that provide people with disabilities with the opportunity to participate productively in their communities.

"His proposals are morally wrong and fiscally counterproductive.  What is worse--as the courts have determined over and over again--many of them clearly violate the ADA and other federal and state laws and regulations.

"According to the information on the governor's own web site, he has not formally recognized the July 26 anniversary of the passage of ADA since 2006.  Unfortunately, that should come as no surprise.

"UDW will continue to stand with California's disability community in its fight for equality and opportunity."

The 65,000 member UDW is the only union in California made up entirely of home care workers who care for low income elderly, blind and disabled citizens under California's In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. IHSS is a nationally recognized program designed to provide more comfortable and secure home-based care while saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year over the cost of nursing home care.

Contact:  Steve Mehlman, 916-804-2569

SOURCE UDW Homecare Providers Union