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Capitol People First

For those who are not familiar with Assembly Bill 896, which proposes to
close California's institutions for people with developmental disabilities,
more information is available from this Inclusion Daily Express web page:

Capitol People First
P.O. Box 254577
Sacramento, California,  94117

March 4, 2001

Steve Wiegand, Staff Writer
The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento, California 95814

Re: "A System Divided"

Dear Mr. Wiegand:

I am writing to you on behalf of the members of Capitol People First in Sacramento. Capitol People First is an organization directed for and by individuals with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to teach people about self-advocacy and assist others with disabilities to lead productive, inclusive lives. In addition, we recognize the importance of educating and often reminding people who discuss; act on behalf of; collaborate with; or in this case - print information about individuals with developmental disabilities, on why it is essential to include the voice of the intended subject in the discussion. Give us equal time and afford us the opportunity to voice our own opinions about issues which impact our lives.

For generations people with disabilities have been excluded from basic decisions related to how and where we live; how we will work or attend school; in what ways we will be allowed to express ourselves; and how, when and where we will be able to communicate our choices and preferences for fully-included community living.

Although we thought the Bee's article explained a good deal about the differences between the choices which families make on behalf of individuals with disabilities, we expected to read statements made by individuals with disabilities on how these decisions impacted our futures. And more importantly, how this debate effects the quality and substance of our lives. We encourage you to seek out the opinions of individuals with developmental disabilities and please feel free to call on me and other self-advocates in the future when additional articles will be written. I can be reached at the address listed above.

Sincerely,


David Miller President