I have always supported inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of our society. I have a brother who is deaf, and my family has been active in the deaf community in Maryland. I know and use American Sign Language. Another brother of mine taught the multiple handicapped deaf and is currently Vice Principal of the Maryland School for the Deaf in Columbia. I have another brother who is legally blind. These relationships ensure that I am cognizant of issues facing people with disabilities, and will have continued contact with that important community.

I support the Americans with Disabilities Act which ensures access to public areas for persons with disabilities. We should work to improve the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of our society.

Social Security

I am opposed to any effort to privatize Social Security. We must keep Social Security secure. It is important to recognize that the Social Security program includes more than simply retirement benefits, it also includes disability insurance. Attempts to privatize Social Security will undermine the disability protection which is a vital part of the Social Security program.

Education

I would vote to repeal the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB applies one standardized Test as a standard for education, which should not be applicable to all people. Instead of focusing on the performance of each school, I would support a system which focuses on individual education plans, targeted at improving the education of each student. Each student has different needs, and the needs of a child with disabilities are often very different than those measured by a standardized test. It is important that children with disabilities get the appropriate type of education to meet their needs.