The Spectrum Network Awarded Grant to Empower Voters with Disabilities

DECORAH — The Spectrum Network is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council to help educate and empower individuals with disabilities about their voting rights. The grant will fund a series of non-partisan events aimed at providing people with disabilities the tools and knowledge they need to participate fully in the democratic process. As part of this initiative, The Spectrum Network will host two key events: Peer-Led Voting Rights Training: This session, led by individuals with disabilities from our day habilitation services, will focus on educating their peers about the importance of voting, how to register, and how to cast their ballots on election day. The goal is to encourage greater civic participation by reducing barriers to voting within the disability community. Candidate and Elected Official Engagement Event: In a non-partisan forum, local candidates running for office and current elected officials will be invited to engage with individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. This event will provide a platform for candidates to hear directly from the disability community about their most pressing concerns, while also highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the voting process. "We are thrilled to have the support of the Iowa DD Council to launch this important project," said Christopher Miculinich, Operations Manager of The Spectrum Network. "Voting is a fundamental right, and through these events, we hope to empower individuals with disabilities to make their voices heard and take an active role in shaping their communities." The Candidate and Elected Official Engagement Event will take place at The Spectrum Network located at 607 Washington Street, Suite 1, Decorah, Iowa, 52101 October 28, 2024 from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Local candidates and elected officials are encouraged to attend and participate in this valuable dialogue.For more information about the events, or to RSVP, please contact Christopher Miculinich at 563-382-8401 or cmiculinich@thespectrumnetwork.org. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.