CBS Atlanta 46People with disabilities call on state to do more

People with disabilities call on state to do more

Hundreds of people with disabilities rallied outside the state Capitol on Thursday morning.

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities flooded the Capitol steps and called on the lawmakers to pass policies to make transportation more accessible for people with disabilities, to pump more money into programs for their care as well as crack down on job and housing discrimination during the 14th annual Disability Day.

Valerie Suber is the public information director for the council. For Suber the issue is more than just professional. It's personal. Suber is visually impaired.

"We are sharing the message that people with disabilities can work. They have dreams and aspirations and gifts and talents," Suber said.

Shelly Simmons said people with disabilities deal with challenges most people never consider. "It's always a struggle, especially trying to find a place to live," Simmons said.

Simmons lives with muscular dystrophy and is confined to a wheelchair. She needed a home health aid to help get dressed to come to the rally.  Simmons said one of her biggest challenges, however, is finding an affordable place to live that can accommodate her needs. "Just trying to find accessible housing, not just to be able to get into a home, but to be able to get around, wide enough  doorways, accessible bathrooms," Simmons said.

Ralliers said they want lawmakers to know they will not be overlooked.      

"They want to work, they want to live, worship and play all over the state. We want access, we want inclusion and we want our rights," Suber said.

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