Clark Summers News Today

Iowans with disabilities said the state could be doing more to make public places more accessible and inclusive. In the new legislative session, the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council also wants lawmakers to make more money available to address dramatic staffing shortages. For the 12.5% of Iowans living with a disability, lack of accessibility is an ongoing issue. ...

Gov. Mike Parson urged Missouri county clerks to "do whats right" during their training Thursday in Jefferson City.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and 14 states, including Iowa, have received large federal grants to try to link workers with better paying jobs offering career advancement. Iowas share of grant money is $13.8 million. Dan Tallon, administrator of Iowas Vocational Rehabilitation Services, said subminimum wage jobs often serve as default for those with disabilities who face barriers in getting care they need to become integrated with the community. ...

Kara Clark Summers, Cape Girardeau County Clerk and President of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities discussed the changes for voters in the state, as well as the new voter ID law and what it means in this election cycle.

The sheer number of requests is overwhelming some elections offices as they prepare for the Nov. 8 election. And many fear turning over the records could compromise the secrecy of a voter’s ballot

Come next year, people with developmental disabilities in New Mexico may not be able to find the help they need - because of a severe labor shortage in the field. Agencies are struggling to find workers to staff group homes, help with daily living, help clients find jobs, and more. Jim Copeland, executive director of the Association of Developmental Disability Community Providers in New Mexico, said the state needs to increase the amount it reimburses providers - so the agencies can pay work...

With absentee voting under way, election season has arrived in Missouri, but voters with disabilities still face challenges. While poll workers can assist voters with disabilities if they request help, advocates believe accessibility methods and technology should make voting more independent. The state has a number of methods in place to help voters with disabilities access the polls. ...

Election season is here in Missouri, and despite improvements in access, voters with disabilities still face challenges.