Tri-Valley clients, staff join Push Day activities

Sixty Tri-Valley Developmental Services clients and staff members were among about 700 people at the Capitol in Topeka April 25 for Push Day, a day set aside to lobby state legislators and educate them on the needs of individuals in Kansas with developmental disabilities. The theme, this year, was 'Real Lives, Real People,' and the purpose was to remind lawmakers that there are real people with real needs, hopes and aspirations behind the funding issues. Tri-Valley photo

On Wednesday, April 25, several individuals with developmental disabilities clutched a microphone on the steps of the State Capitol building in Topeka and carefully read the names of fellow Kansans.

Wearing bright orange shirts, with the words "Real lives. Real People." printed on the front, those people reading names received rounds of applause. The individuals were reading from petitions containing 34,306 names of people asking for additional funding for community developmental disability services. Original copies of the lists were taped in four columns down the front steps of the Capitol building.

The activity occurred last month during the annual "Push Day," a day set aside to urge state legislators to act on the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. This year's theme, "Real Lives. Real People," reminded lawmakers that behind the funding issues are people with hopes and dreams that are dependent, in large part, on the actions of state lawmakers. Sixty clients and staff members from Tri-Valley Developmental Disabilities participated in the event. In addition to the rally on the Statehouse steps, advocacy materials emphasizing the needs of Kansans with disabilities were personally delivered to every legislator.

"It's always an emotional day for staff and clients to see so many of our counterparts from across the state, all working together to promote and protect the rights of those we serve," Tri-Valley Interim Executive Director Bill Fiscus said. "Although it seems as if the April weather never cooperates, it doesn't dampen our determination and dedication to improve the lives of our citizens with developmental disabilities."

More than 700 people with developmental disabilities and support staff from agencies across Kansas participated in the activity. Cutline info: Petitions urging the Legislature to fully fund the community developmental disability system are taped to the steps of the Capitol during "Push Day," a statewide rally to bring awareness to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Sixty clients and staff from Tri-Valley Developmental Disabilities were among over 700 supporters at the annual rally. Close-up of the petitions signed by 34,306 Kansas who support individuals with developmental disabilities.