ENZI PROVIDES GUIDE TO CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES IN DEVELOPING POLICES TO ACCOMMODATE STAFF, CONSTITUENTS, VISITORS LIVING WITH ACCESS NEEDS

Washington, D.C. – Saying “No one should be precluded from visiting theirelected officials, attending hearings, or participating in events in Congress because ofphysical or communication barriers,” U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ranking Memberof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today sent anewly-prepared “Guide to Assisting Office Personnel and Visitors with AccessibilityNeeds,” to all Congressional offices. The guide, which Enzi said he hopes will build on the work done by the Senate’sSergeant at Arms, and give Senators and their staffs ideas and suggestions to help addressthe needs of staff, constituents and visitors with access needs, contains materials dealingwith basic rules of etiquette, emergency preparedness, and the importance of accessibleroom design. In a “Dear Colleague” letter accompanying the guide, Enzi wrote: “Unfortunately,many of our constituents with disabilities have difficulties accessing their electedofficials, attending hearings, and participating in other events here in Congress because ofphysical, attitudinal, and communication barriers that prohibit it or make it verydifficult.” “Within the guide you will find procedures and options that will address the needsof those with a wide range of disabilities,” he added. “Feel free to use it as you continueto develop various policies and procedures for accommodating those with disabilitieswho work in or visit your office.” Over 51 million Americans are currently living with one or more disabilities. Astechnology and medicine improve and the baby-boomers generation continues to age, thecountry will experience a rapid increase in the number of people living with disabilities,Enzi said. The 25-page guide was prepared by the Minority Staff of the Senate HELPCommittee with the assistance of 18 offices and organizations inside and outsidegovernment. The guide, and Enzi’s “Dear Colleague” letter, distributed today can beviewed on line by visiting http: http://help.senate.gov/Min_press/min_press_2008.html.Organizations involved in the development of the Guide include: American Council of the BlindArchitect of the CapitolAssociation of University Centers on DisabilitiesBrain Injury Association of AmericaCongressional Special ServicesEaster SealsEpilepsy FoundationGallaudet UniversityGoodwill Industries InternationalInstitute for Educational LeadershipJudge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health LawNational Federation of the BlindOffice of ComplianceSergeant at ArmsTelecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy Disability PolicyCollaborationUnited Spinal AssociationVirginia Statewide Independent Living Council ####