SOUTH CAROLINA VOTERS: 2008 Election Site Survey

Most Americans agree that voting is a fundamental civil right. And with this year’s voting fever, it’s as much so as it ever has been.

So, dear South Carolinians, as you head to your voting site, please complete a simple survey (1 1/2 pages long) and email or mail it back to Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A). It can make the difference between voting and voting discrimination.

The survey is found at http://www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org/Polling%20Place%20Accessibility%20Survey.pdf. If you have questions, please CALL 1.866.275.7273 and ask for Kimberly Boozer.

Thanks.

-RFW

Plain Language: Moving Away from Legalese

The South Carolina Access to Justice Commission was first introduced to the concept of Plain Language at the regional public hearings last spring.  Last week, Court Solutions’ attendees learned more about the Plain Language movement and heard about initiatives around the country.

Plain Language uses words and images that most people can understand. It enables people with low literacy abilities, people with limited English proficiency and/or people with cognitive disabilities to more easily understand the concepts. People with visual impairments benefit from plain language because it is easier for their automated “screen readers.”

There are many online resources about how to draft plain language documents. Here are just a few:

• http://www.transcend.net/at/index.html for a resource, Transcend Translations
• http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/index.htm for information about the Plain English Campaign, out of the United Kingdom
• http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/write/plain-language/ for information on how to comply with the Presidential Memorandum – Plain Language in Government Writing
• http://www.impact-information.com/impactinfo/readability02.pdf for the aricle “The Principles of Readability”
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legalese#Legalese for a history of legalese

Stay tuned for more information about Plain Language updates from Stephanie A. Nye.

-RFW

Senate Restores Access to Justice for People with Disabilities

On September 11, 2008, the Senate passed the “the intent and protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990” commonly known as the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. This development is encouraging for people with disabilities and especially so since it passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent.