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Chapter 8: Poll Workers with Disabilities



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I would encourage the use of "people first" language throughout this chapter.  See http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm for background information and diction choices.   For example:

  • Replace "mobility impairment, impaired vision and cognitive disabilities" with "disabilities that affect a person's mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive abilities."
  • Replace "disabled voters" or "disabled citizens" with "voters with disabilities" or "citizens with disabilities."
  • Replace "voters with special needs" or "poll workers with special needs" with "voters with disabilities" or "poll workers with disabilities."
  • Include voters with disabilities with all voters.  For example, the last sentence of the 3rd paragraph should read:  Recruiting and hiring poll workers who have disabilities sends a strong message to the community that all voters are a part of the democratic process.
  • Replace "disabled community" with "people with disabilities."
  • Replace "visually impaired poll workers" with "poll workers who are blind or have low vision."
  • Do not use "impaired."

On page 45, there is a reference to using Q-tips for touching a touchscreen.  Q-tips can break and are very small for voters with dexterity disabilities.  The eraser end of a pencil is stronger and larger.  Election officials may also want to include signature guides in supply bags;  these devices help a voter who is blind or has low vision know where to sign his or her name.


nbainestrella 07/06/2007 09:03 AM
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