Disability Options Network News

For Immediate Release

For further information, contact:

Michelle Krajewski 816-561-0304

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BARRED FROM GOVERNORS’ SPEECH ON AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Jefferson City - Ten people, some using wheelchairs, were blocked from entering a public meeting where Gov. Matt Blunt was delivering a speech to the Governor’s Council on Disability on the Americans with Disabilities Act Wednesday in Jefferson City, in possible violation of both the Missouri “Sunshine Law” and the Americans with Disabilities Act. During the governor’s speech, a security guard, claiming to be under orders from the Governor’s staff, told the people waiting to enter the meeting room that it was full and they would not be allowed in.

However, Michelle Krajewski, a disability rights advocate who works for The Whole Person Inc. in Kansas City, who was present for the meeting, said, “There was almost an entire row of empty chairs on one side of the room and 10-15 feet of empty space on 3 sides of the tables where the Council members were sitting. There was plenty of space in that room.” Another witness, who declined to be identified, saw the guard opening the door and looking into the room “at least three times.”

When asked about his actions, the guard, who identified himself only as Officer Cregger, responded, “I was told to keep people out by a member of the governor’s staff.” The people who were denied entrance were not allowed into the room until the governor left and the meeting adjourned.

One woman who was barred from the room stated that she overheard a man who appeared to be with the governor’s security detail informing the security guard that there was no more room in the meeting. The woman, who declined to be identified, and her nine companions, all wearing T-shirts identifying them as members of the disability rights group Show-Me ADAPT, said, “All we wanted to do was go in and listen respectfully. I told the guard that we had a right to be in there and that we had no intention of disrupting the meeting.” Show-Me ADAPT has participated in several protests critical of the governor’s Medicaid cutbacks.

The Governor’s Council on Disabilities is a public governmental body and its meetings are open to the public per the Missouri Sunshine Laws. In addition, the Council is required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to make its programs and meetings accessible to citizens with disabilities. The parties involved have contacted an attorney and say they intend to take appropriate legal action under the Sunshine Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act.