Action Report

Justin Dart called the incarceration of people with disabilities in state hospitals, ICF/MRs and nursing homes "the hidden holocaust of 2000." He sent a personal message to the President and Vice President that "America demands REAL CHOICE now, MiCASSA now." And he fired up the anger and frustration in the crowd by saying directly: "Today we say no more bullshit."

ADAPT started the day with a variety of workshops on ADAPT history and procedure (called the newcomer's meeting) and other workshops on MiCASSA, Attacks on the ADA, Implementing Olmstead, and How to Negotiate. At around noon the entire contingent began to load onto METRO buses for a short trip to the Capitol.

The group met others assembling at a small plaza with the Capitol dome lingering in the background. Mike Auberger warmed up the crowd with some legendary ADAPT chants and at 2:00 Linda Anthony welcomed ADAPT and other MiCASSA supporters to the "Voices and Faces of Institutionalization" Rally for MiCASSA.

As Tim Westmorland from HCFA spoke, a white-bearded character appeared with an hourglass and scythe to remind everyone that time is running out. Andy Imperato, the president of the American Association of People with Disabilities, told the crowd that "we would not get anything done in this town if it wasn't for ADAPT."

The most moving speaker, wearing Justin Dart's hat, was Kyle Glozier. "What crime did I commit to be put into the crippled children's home?" He asked after listing several Constitutional principals shattered by the policy of forced institutionalization. But Mr. Glozier also told ADAPT how the determination of his parents has rescued him from an institution. "By the way, happy father's day dad," said Kyle looking toward his father, "I love you."

ADAPT heard from several speakers that told of their personal experiences in a nursing home. From Georgia, Kansas, and the Washington DC area, advocates recounted the national need for MiCASSA.

Mike concluded the rally by pointing out that "Washington must know that ADAPT is here." He told ADAPT advocates that "We have the responsibility to advocate for those brothers and sisters in nursing homes that cannot."

ADAPT began a march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Along the way passing massive marble buildings: The Old Post Office with a statute of Ben Franklin out front, The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and the J. Edger Hoover FBI Building.

At the White House, the message ADAPT was sending to President Clinton and Vice President Gore was that nationally Americans are demanding an end to intuitional bias.

Back at the Hotel, ADAPT met to get the scoop on the activities for Monday. Mike told the group about the first ADAPT action in Washington DC back in 1984. And Stephanie Thomas reminded all how successful ADAPT has been over the years with an analogy Bob Kafka uses. "It's like turning the Queen Mary," she said, "because it is such a huge project, it is hard to see the progress."

Check back tomorrow to see where ADAPT will strike.