Letter

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

In 1982, the AFSCME International Executive Board first passed a resolution calling for AFSCME affiliates, staff, representatives and stewards to enforce existing laws and contract provisions that protect the rights of AFSCME’s members with disabilities. Since then, guided by AFSCME’s Advisory Committee for Members with Disabilities, our Union’s advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities have expanded significantly, culminating in the 1990 passage and subsequent implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Discrimination against persons with disabilities is an important human rights issue — whether or not people with disabilities are members in our locals. Many of us have relatives and friends with disabilities and, in all likelihood, some of us will become disabled, permanently or temporarily, at some point in our lives. Now under the ADA, we are all responsible for making the Union accessible and welcoming to members with disabilities. 

AFSCME first published this handbook in 1984. Since then, it has been regularly updated to reflect changes in society and related laws. This guide can help us all become aware of the problems confronting AFSCME members with disabilities, better represent these members, and encourage members with disabilities to become more active in AFSCME. We hope it will be a valuable aid to AFSCME members and staff.