Candidates seeking to represent Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District will be asked their views on issues impacting disability rights at a forum hosted by the Slife Institute for Social Work at Wartburg College in partnership with the Iowa Developmental Disability Council and Disability Rights Iowa. The forum will provide candidates with the opportunity to learn directly from Iowans with disabilities, families and caregivers about the challenges and opportunities they experience.
“This forum is designed to ensure that the perspectives of people with disabilities are understood clearly and directly by those seeking public office,” said Tammy Faux, director of the Slife Institute.
A resource fair and networking opportunity begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 with light refreshments in the Heritage and St. Elizabeth rooms on the second floor of the Saemann Student Center. The forum, moderated by Travis Graven, a Wartburg graduate and producer at Iowa PBS, begins at 6 p.m. The forum is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend this important discussion about the future of disability policy in Iowa.
“People with disabilities should be able to participate fully in every part of civic life, from voting to shaping policies that impact their everyday lives. Discussing disability issues is an important part of creating a civic process that reflects every Iowan,” said Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa.
Candidates who have indicated they will attend include:
- Dave Bushaw, an Independent from West Union.
- Iowa Rep. Lindsey James, a Democrat from Dubuque.
- Rick Stewart, a Libertarian from Cedar Rapids.
Nate Willems, a Democrat running for Iowa attorney general, also has agreed to attend. Republican candidate Joe Mitchell and Brenna Bird, a Republican and incumbent attorney general, were invited but unable to attend the issues forum.
This nonpartisan, voter-education event is co-sponsored by the Iowa Developmental Disability Council and Disability Rights Iowa. American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning will be available.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Faux at tammy.faux@wartburg.edu by Sept. 28.
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