Only 55% of Voters with Disabilities VOTED in 2016 - The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Launches - "Our Time, Our Vote" Initiative for Voters with Learning Disabilities

    WASHINGTON, DC, February 18, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Voting accessibility is a national concern: long lines, confusing ballots, outdated voting machines, lack of access to assistive technology, and inaccessible polling places all prevent voters with disabilities from expressing their rights as voters.

That's why today, we are excited to announce the launch of our comprehensive voting and civic engagement initiative, OUR TIME, OUR VOTE.

We're proud to join our partners in the national disability community, in pushing state and national leaders to ensure that our constitutional right to vote is protected and that all voters with disabilities have access to vote.

At the National Center for Learning Disabilities, we are lending our voice to the national conversation to ensure every voting age person with a disability has the time, resources, and accommodations they need to vote.

With OUR TIME, OUR VOTE, NCLD will empower voters with learning disabilities with resources, events, and information focused on securing voting accommodations and preparing to register and vote in the 2020 elections.

The online resources at OurTimeOurVote.us gives voters access to register to vote, information on their rights as voters, and will help new voters navigate voting if they need more "time" or assistance at the polls.

Our goal is to engage and empower non-voters and new voters with learning and attention issues to be ready to participate in the 2020 election--and beyond.

The campaign is supported by a Council of Disability Champions who value the rights of voters. The Council is made up of Co-Chair Quinn Bradlee, EGOT Winner Whoopi Goldberg, Soccer Legend Tim Howard, Oscar winner Tom Hanks, Tony winner Ali Stroker, Tim Shriver of the Special Olympics, music legend Jimmy Buffett, NHL star Scott Gomez, Oscar-winning film producer Lawrence Bender, Anne Finucane, Vice Chairman of Bank of America, Judy Woodruff anchor/managing editor of PBS News Hour and Dr. Kurt Newman, President of Children's National Hospital.

OUR TIME, OUR VOTE is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical initiative that builds on one of the key accommodations that supports people with learning disabilities--extra time. Our initiative seeks to:
1. Raise awareness of the accessibility needs of people with learning disabilities
2. Improve the conditions for voting in the 2020 election, and
3. Register and engage young voters with disabilities to be civic leaders

OUR TIME, OUR VOTE and the National Center for Learning Disabilities do not endorse any party or candidate or engage in lobbying that seeks to influence the outcomes of elections. This initiative aims to engage voters with learning disabilities and attention issues, and their families and friends, in civic participation efforts.

"Equal access to vote is essential to the freedom of choice and the freedom of speech and being an American."- Tony Award Winner Ali Stroker

Our Time Our Vote Co-Chair Quinn Bradlee shared:

"I think voters with learning differences can make a difference."

NCLD CEO and President Lindsay Jones notes:

"Individuals with disabilities have the same right to vote and the same desire to impact their future as everyone else. But too often, the voting process isn't designed with them in mind and ends up excluding them. With OUR TIME, OUR VOTE, NCLD is working to solve this problem by providing tools and information that remove barriers to voting. We're proud to stand with our partners in the disability community, with Quinn and our Disability Champions Council to stand up for access. Together, we can make the right to vote a reality."

To learn more about OUR TIME, OUR VOTE visit OurTimeOurVote.us

The National Center for Learning Disabilities' mission is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning disabilities and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

All press inquiries should be directed to
Amber Clapp - [email protected] - 646-567-8114

Joey Hunziker, Director of Young Adult Initiatives, at [email protected]

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