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“Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s sweeping legislative record spans nearly five decades and includes monumental shifts in social policy that improved the lives of millions. A liberal lion who roared on behalf of those who couldn’t, Kennedy devoted his career to the sick and disabled, immigrants and refugees, mothers and children in poverty.  ….The landmark laws established through Kennedy’s efforts have become part of our lexicon: the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Leave Medical Act, HIPAA, COBRA, Title IX. He fought for voting rights, increased cancer research funding, and pushed for the Medicare prescription drug benefit. He helped create the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or S-Chip, which now covers 10.7 million children.  …”If you voted at age 18 or you get Meals on Wheels, Ted’s someone you should thank for that,” said Adam Clymer, a Kennedy biographer. “Or if you’ve got a cheaper college loan, or your minimum wage went up, or if someone in your family is eligible for children’s health insurance – that’s Ted.”

The Bazelon Center on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, Mental Disability Champion

Washington, DC, August 26, 2009 – The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law mourns the loss of Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy, a great leader in the Senate, and one of the most powerful voices in the past century for people with mental disabilities.

“Senator Kennedy was an unmatched, forceful voice for people with mental disabilities throughout his lifetime,” said Robert Bernstein, Ph.D., executive director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. “Without his urging, mental health parity would not have passed last year, which gave over 113 million Americans equity in mental and physical health coverage.”

“Further, Senator Kennedy’s decades-long fight for quality and affordable health care will serve as a crowning achievement in his illustrious legacy,” said Bernstein.

In addition to the years he spent advancing mental health parity, Senator Kennedy also sponsored and supported such successful initiatives as the community mental health program, the children’s system of care program, and many additional pieces of legislation that produced federal programs to treat and serve people with mental illnesses.

National Coalition of People with Psychiatric Histories Mourns the Death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHCSO) deeply mourns the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an ardent and lifelong champion of the rights of people with disabilities and of all Americans.

“Sen. Kennedy understood to his very core the importance of involving all Americans – including people who are homeless, people living in poverty, people with physical and/or psychiatric disabilities, people in pain, people struggling for a better life – in the American community,” said Lauren Spiro, director of the Coalition. “Sen. Kennedy and his staff have worked diligently with the Coalition to further our mission and strengthen our voice. We echo the words of President Obama, who said, ‘Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time.’

“Senator Kennedy devoted his career to expanding health coverage to as many Americans as possible. A fitting memorial to the Senator would be the passage of comprehensive health care reform as soon as possible,” Spiro said.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-26-2009/0005083458&EDATE=

AAPD’s Statement on the Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy

WASHINGTON, DC – August 26, 2009 – The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country’s largest cross-disability membership organization, released a statement following the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, an unequaled champion for civil rights in the United States Senate for half a century:

“Ted Kennedy understood better than anyone how the struggle for equal opportunity for disabled Americans was an essential part of this nation’s broader commitment to civil and human rights,” said Tony Coelho, Chair of AAPD.  “I have never worked with a more effective legislator, and I am deeply saddened to have lost a good friend,” Coelho continued.

“AAPD joins our colleagues throughout the civil rights movement in mourning the loss of one our most effective champions,” said Andrew Imparato, AAPD President and CEO.  “His legacy will be felt for generations to come, as millions of Americans with disabilities and our families recommit ourselves to his vision of equality and full citizenship for all people.”

Disability Leaders Share Personal Memories of the Lion of the Senate

Christina N. Mills, California Foundation for Independent Living Centers: “My fondest memory of Senator Kennedy is from 1999. I was attended the National Youth Leadership Forum and ADAPT was holding an action on the Hill. Senator Kennedy came out to address the crowd and then came up to several of the youth to individually introduce himself. It was so exciting to meet a Kennedy, especially Ted Kennedy. He was an amazing human being who firmly believed in our community.”

Kelly Buckland, Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL): “What a great man and a great family.  I have always been an admirer of the entire family…the Senator flew me back here to testify on health care reform in 1989.  I am looking at his thank you letter to me as I write this note.  Just one more reminder of how long the senator worked on health care reform and how it really was the ‘work of his life.’  He will be missed by the entire world.”

Dan Fisher, Executive Director of the National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations: “My fondest recollection was at Fred Fay’s house in Concord, MA, when Senator Kennedy and Connie Garner came to thank Fred for all he did to help in his campaign. They reviewed all their work together. Senator Kennedy inquired about how Fred was doing. Fred proudly displayed all the technology he used to communicate with the world.  Fred asked about Ted’s back. Ted said it had been bothering him. Fred then recommended a special support complete with a several pages of documentation. The caring between the two of them was very touching. I felt the spirit of our movement strongly shining in that room.”

Rayna Aylward, Executive Director at Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation: “My own recollection of the Senator is of a small personal gesture that meant the world to me, and may shed a little light on why his staff was so devoted and loyal.  I was standing in the foyer of his McLean home, after a VSA fundraising event, waiting for his sister Mrs. Smith.  The Senator walked in, carrying a tennis racket, looked at me and said smilingly “I guess you’re not here for tennis.”  Then he invited me to sit down inside.  I spent the next half hour or so surrounded by photos of my heros in the Kennedy family, sipping a soda served by the Senator himself.” 

Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer: “On July 26, 2004, at a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts marking the 14th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we had the distinct honor of presenting a special award to Senator Edward M. Kennedy from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in recognition of “his tireless efforts on behalf of over 28 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans.”  In our news release at that time we said that “Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront on issues important to the NAD over the years; he has consistently demonstrated his leadership on civil rights issues dating back to his election to the United States Senate in 1962.” His many accomplishments cannot adequately be summarized in a brief statement. His work has tremendously enhanced the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing Americans in a very real and lasting manner.  I shall never forget that twinkle that was always in his eyes, and we will deeply miss his extraordinary wisdom, leadership and passion.”

Laura Kaloi, Public Policy Director, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc.: Senator Edward Kennedy was twice honored and received The National Center for Learning Disabilities ‘Distinguished Advocacy Award’ for ‘making a difference in the lives of our nation’s children and adults with learning disabilities’.  In his taped response in 2005 — that was broadcast at our Annual Benefit Gala dinner in NYC — he responded with great passion and commitment to ensuring that every individual with a disability have a quality education in our nation’s schools.  His photo and statement hang in the front office of NCLD’s New York City headquarters as a great reminder of what we are engaged to do together.