874K Coalition Rally

874,156-The number of Kentucky residents with a disability. That's nearly 23 percent of the Commonwealth's total population. AND that number does not include individuals under the age of 5 or those in long-term care facilities or prisons.

Put simply, disabled people represent the state's largest minority, and advocates would argue our voices are least heard.

Today more than 1,100 Kentucky residents, many of them either receiving or providing services to our population gathered at the Frankfort Convention Center to remind policy officials that WE COUNT. WE MATTER. WE VOTE.

My expectations for the day were to meet and mingle with those I serve as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky and perhaps connect with my legislators and others from across the state. Thanks to the gracious, inclusive attitude of event co-organizer Dr. Shelia Schuster and my own tenacity, the day became truly a hallmark of my Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky experience thus far.

Governor Steve Beshear kicked off the day by proclaiming January 23, Disability Awareness Day in Kentucky. His remarks candidly addressed concerns that the state's budget crisis could result in reductions in Medicaid and other benefits and services for the disabled. He said despite serious fiscal challenges, he wanted disability advocates to be at the table with him, raising awareness and fighting for much-needed programs.

Following his remarks, I took a chance and followed the media and the Governor to a backstage area where he was answering questions. As he prepared to leave, I approached, shook his hand and encouraged him to keep is promise not to forget the disabled population as he grapples with the challenges facing Kentucky.

My bold but impassioned move made me a secondary focus of the media spotlight, and I was interviewed by every major news station and several newspapers.

I intended to return to my seat to network and listen to the remarkable stories of those individuals on the event program. But instead found myself connecting with attendees and policy makers from across the state. Of the more than 50 legislators in attendance, I shook hands with at least half. I met countless service providers, disabled children and adults and their loved ones. It was a truly inspiring experience, especially for a "connector" like me.

The most memorable relationship I built was with my representative, Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark. Ironically, Rep. Clark lives in my neighborhood. I contacted his office yesterday to see if he was planning to attend the event, and was disappointed meetings were likely to prevent such an encounter. At the last minute, however, a meeting was cancelled. He made a special point to seek me out, and generously offered to give me a private tour of Frankfort in coming days. I am already excited about our next meeting, and hope today was the start of a great relationship. He was as sincere and genuine a gentleman as I have encountered in my policy work.

Following lunch I got the surprise of the day when event organizers asked me to fill in for a speaker who was unable to attend. With mere minutes to prepare, I'm hoping my remarks were remotely intelligible and tied to the terrific event.

Special thanks to Dr. Shuster and her team for making their day such a memorable day for me.

I'll post pictures and media coverage soon