ACT Memo

As you requested, this is your ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network Memo facilitating a national dialogue among self-advocates and supporters and a clearinghouse for materials and training that support self-advocacy.

August 1, 2007

A Know-Win Situation

As U.S. citizens, we have many rights that are protected by laws. We need to know what these legal protections are—only then can we demand our rights with enough power to get them.

Knowledge gives us power. When we know our rights and know we have the law behind us, we have more confidence to demand them. By knowing our rights, we can be stronger self-advocates and allies—and we win.

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True/False Quiz

Answers

Resource

True/False Quiz

Here’s a true/false quiz about knowing your rights. The next time your group gets together, read these statements out loud and see how you do. (Answers follow.)

True or False:

1.	No organization getting federal funds may discriminate based on disability.
2.	Churches do not have to abide by ADA regulations.
3.	IDEA is a law that provides federal money to schools if their lunches always include a dessert.
4.	Everyone has a legal right to have a good job.
5.	Private schools must provide equal education to students with disabilities.
6.	The ADA is a law that prohibits discrimination solely based on disability—in employment, public services, and accommodations.
7.	If people with disabilities cannot understand how to operate the voting machines, they have no legal right to vote.
8.	People with disabilities have a right to equal opportunities to get a job.
9.	If you can’t get into a public building because of your disability, the building is illegal and must change.
10.	An employer must hire an applicant with a disability even if the person is not qualified to do the job.
11.	When you are applying for a job, an employer has a right to ask you whether you have any disabilities that may affect your performance in the position for which you are applying.
12.	Everyone should know his or her rights.

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Answers

1.	True. Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guarantees this right.
2.	True.
3.	False.
4.	False.
5.	False.
6.	True.
7.	False. They have a right to get help in voting procedures.
8.	True.
9.	True.
10.	False.
11.	False.
12.	True.

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Resource

Know Your Rights
Become familiar with the three main disability rights laws and notice how these laws affect our society. This kit includes lots of fun and interactive exercises designed for self-advocates.

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Today’s Trivia Question:

The two hottest cities in the U.S. are both in the same state. Which state is it?

a. Florida
b. Hawaii
c. Arizona

(The answer will be published in the next Memo.)

Answer to July 25th Trivia Question:

b. Lake Baikal (Central Asia)

Question was: What is the largest freshwater lake in the world (holds the most water)?

a. Lake Superior (North America)
b. Lake Baikal (Central Asia)
c. Lake Titicaca (South America)

Do you have a trivia item you’d like to submit?

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