Lincoln, Nebraska Apr 10, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - In 2020 the Nebraska Democratic Party (NDP) created a mechanism that allows voters who are unable to be part of the process in person to participate. This includes those serving in the military, those with disability or illness preventing participation, those who are not able to take time off from work or obtain childcare, and other reasons. The Democratic National Committee also encouraged and continues to encourage Outreach and Inclusion Programs in order to achieve full participation of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and youth.

The NDP's Special Committee for the Delegate Selection Plan Chair is citing Section I. Introduction & Description of Delegate Selection Process, Paragraph D. Scheduling of Delegate Selection Meetings of the Nebraska Delegate Selection Plan for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in order to deny all remote access other than Military Access. This included the denial of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access.

"The dates, times, and places for all official Party meetings and events related to the state's delegate selection process must be scheduled to encourage the participation of all Democrats. It shall be the responsibility of the NDP to select the dates and times and locating and confirming the availability of publicly accessible facilities for all such official meetings and events. The scheduling of all such official meetings and events shall take into account any religious observations that could significantly affect participation, and such meetings and events will begin and end at reasonable hours. [Rule 3.A & Reg. 4.]"

Unfortunately, the NDP has failed to develop a complete procedure for handling ADA requests and has created exclusionary rules that potentially violate the ADA.  What the NDP has created is an email address for ADA requests without a procedure for processing these requests and maintaining the privacy and safety of those requesting accommodations. This has left disabled Nebraskans open to potential discrimination and retaliation.

The Nebraskans Experiencing Disabilities Caucus feels that the 2024 Nebraska Delegate Selection Plan fails to fulfill the intent of the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2024 Democratic National Convention by excluding remote access to all but those serving in the Military. 

We are calling for those who support remote access to comment during the public comment window on the 2024 Nebraska Delegate Selection Plan. The public comment period ends on April 29, 2023. 

Public comment: https://nebraskademocrats.org/2024-delegate-selection-plan/

We are also asking anyone needing or wanting remote access to specify in writing to the NDP and include our Caucus on those emails so we can track the need and help to protect the disabled community.

Email remote access requests to: scc@nebraskademocrats.org;demsdisabilitiesne@gmail.com

The Caucus For Nebraskans Experiencing Disability Executive Board