RevUP the Vote!

With the state of 2020, creating and adapting to new ways of supporting and providing services to individuals in our services, we are bringing together the social and political pieces through education, support, and psychosocial support.

The IDD population often is one that is underserved or under heard when it comes to the Right to Vote. Individuals with disabilities often need support or guidance with finding and reviewing resources for political understanding and personal growth around candidates’ agenda points.

We are providing neutral guidance and support ensuring every individual in our care has the ability to access relevant resources, candidates, and general outlining themes related to each candidate’s agenda.

As most of us Vote for the candidate we feel will better our society, social economic crisis, social/emotional supports, and overarching global trends, we also want to ensure our individuals have the opportunity to review the same information in a way that is consistent with their preferred communication and comprehension styles.

ALL of us have not only the right to Vote, but the right to know WHAT we are Voting for.

We have taken on the following model to support in implementing this in our Residential and Supported Living Services (SLS) programs, with that goal that 100% of individuals will be registered and engaged in voting for the November 3rd election.

1. ASK we are asking every individual if they are registered to vote.
2. OFFER we support if the individual is not registered or needs support in the voting process.
3. PLAN we help individuals create individualized support plans. This is done WITH the individual and their guardian (if applicable). We are providing this support to individuals who are interested in voting, and for those who are not- we are simply acknowledging this choice and offering it as a topic of discussion at any time.
4. We remain NEUTRAL while supporting the process. If someone needs support in researching a candidate, we are helping them identify a reputable source for the person they wish to review. This is a key piece that we are leaving our own views and opinions out of the conversation and simply assisting the individual in educating themselves.

If you need additional support, contact your local disability advocacy groups to review options for service providers like Sample Supports who can support individuals in accessing their right to vote this year.
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Additional Resources to Vote in 2020

• Check your registration HERE.
• If you’re not registered, sign up to vote HERE.
• All registered voters will be mailed a ballot; this year you can track your ballot HERE.
• There is a nation-wide shortage of poll workers; if you’re interested in helping on election day, please sign up HERE.
• If you’re interested in learning more about our government’s effects on the disability industry specifically, Alliance has an advocacy page HERE as one of many options for your research.
• If you are undecided on how to vote Colorado’s state-wide ballot measures, here is a link to the Blue Book that provides detailed information. Here are both the English and Spanish versions.

Need more support? Contact us at Sample Supports for more information on where we can help.