Washington, D.C. (June 28, 2012)– The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation’s largest disability rights organization, today praised Rep. Mike Honda and 40 other members of Congress for launching the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus.
According to its mission statement:
The Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus (CABC) is a bipartisan caucus comprised of Members of Congress committed to the belief that all communities deserve a safe environment to thrive, and that our nation is in urgent need of solutions that stop bullying – both offline and online – now and forever.
The overwhelming majority of students with disabilities are bullied at school. In the face of daily hostility, the promise of a quality education is often trumped by the need to survive for many students with disabilities. AAPD supports legislation to combat school bullying. Our public service announcement, “30 Seconds,”which sends a message that students with disabilities will not be bullied, aired nationwide in late 2011 and early 2012. View the PSA at www.aapd.com/30seconds
Adults with disabilities are also disproportionately likely to be the targets of bullying. Adult bullying occurs in neighborhoods, workplaces, public transportation, among other places
“Ensuring the best possible outcomes for America’s young people is something everyone can get behind. A part of that means ending the scourge of bullying, which is a daily barrier for so many. AAPD thanks Representative Honda and the other members of Congress who have committed themselves to this important task. AAPD will continue our anti-bullying work alongside the bi-partisan Caucus to achieve its goals,” said AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello.
“Founding this Caucus sends a strong signal both to those who face bullying every day and to those of us who are working on the front lines to combat this nationwide problem,” added AAPD Board Chair Joyce Bender.
Learn more about the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus:
http://www.honda.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1190&Itemid=561
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The American Association of People with Disabilities is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.