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Personally, I am ready for the presidential election to be over because I am sick of all the political mudslinging ads.
One of my friends, Carol, asked me a question that I had not pondered and I did not know the answer. Can adults with developmental disabilities or delays vote? The simple answer is yes.
My initial thought when I was asked this question was that shouldn’t be any reason why those with “disabilities” should not be allowed to vote. People with cognitive and developmental delays hold jobs, drive cars, manage bank accounts, and function in many other day to day activities, so why not be allowed to vote?
There are reports of people who have voted while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Are they more capable to make an informed decision simply because they are not diagnosed with a disability?
I found several websites that address this very issue. Minnesota seems to the front runner is tackling this topic head on. Their website, My Voice, My Vote addresses this issue specifically, as well as a document listing specific laws in regards to The American with Disabilities Act and Minnesota statutes specifically.
The American Association for People with Disabilities also has a website that discusses the issues of rights of disabled people to vote. Their website addresses more issues than just developmental disabilities. This website addresses physical disabilities in addition to developmental disabilities.
The laws regarding developmental disabilities are more expansive than I thought and address issues that Carol and I were discussing. In our initial discussion we thought that as long as a person could vote independently that it wouldn’t be an issue. We both knew that you are not allowed to take anyone into the voting booth with you, and we presumed that would be the case no matter what. That is not the case. A developmentally delayed adult may choose to bring someone with them to help them. If they do not have someone to come with them, they may ask a polling judge to help them with the ballot.
I am glad to learn that this issue has been well thought out and properly legislated. Every adult with disabilities is impacted by the decisions made by our new President. Every one should have the ability to cast their vote to make sure their interests are protected and their opinions are heard.
Ronald Steven Federici is often described as “the country’s expert in the neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of children having multi-sensory neurodevelopmental impairments.”
He is best described as a “developmental neuropsychologist,” specializing in the treatment of “institutional autism” (which he also calls “post-traumatic autism,” or “post-institutional autistic syndrome”).
Dr. Federici is licensed by the Virginia Board, and is the holder of a Psy. D. degree.
Dr. Ronald Federici is the author of “Help for the Hopeless Child: A Guide for Families, With Special Discussion for Assessing and Treating the Post-Institutionalized Child” and is the founder of Neuropsychological and Family Practice Associates, in McLean, Virginia.
He has worked with adopted children from Russia, Romania, Ukraine and Belarus. He is also the father to seven adopted children of his own.
Federici is also an outspoken opponent of dangerous practices, such as those resulting in the death of Candace Newmaker. In addition, he has also sought to provide as much assistance as possible to children living in orphanages and other institutions with deplorable conditions.
More information about Dr. Federici and his work can be found at:
http://ronaldfederici.wordpress.com (Ronald Federici blog)
http://ronfederici.wordpress.com (Ron Federici blog)
http://childrenintherapy.wordpress.com (Children in Therapy)
http://advocatesforchildrenintherapy.wordpress.com (Advocates for Children in Therapy)
http://angelinajolieadoptions.wordpress.com (Angelina Jolie’s adoptions; Dr. Federici is Angelina Jolie’s adoption consultant)