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UCP President and CEO Speaks at ADAPT’s “Free Our People” Rally on Capitol Hill

As part of ADAPT’s “Free Our People” 144-mile march through Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, the marchers converged on Washington, DC, on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 and held a rally calling for “freedom and justice for ALL.” Over 100 members of ADAPT, along with many other allies began this historic march in Philadelphia on September 4th. An additional 300 marchers in Baltimore joined them for the push to Washington, DC.

The goal of the journey from the Liberty Bell to Capitol Hill was to push for the passage of the Medicaid Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports Act of 2003, MiCASSA and Money Following the Person legislation, as well as a call for real Medicaid reform and full implementation of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision.

“Congratulations to all of you who have traveled so far, both in miles and in spirit. You are champions of a ‘voice’ that needs to be heard, and UCP supports your activism and stands with you,” said UCP’s President and CEO, Stephen Bennett. Bennett also called for a reformed Medicaid program and passage of MiCASSA to ensure that ALL people have the supports and services they need to fully participate in their community.

Congressional supporters of MiCASSA legislation spoke at the rally along with people with disabilities and numerous representatives of supporting advocacy organizations. Following the rally, marchers carried messages of the need for community-based services to their Members of Congress. To view the daily progress of the marchers, please visit the Free Our People Web site.

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