So there we were in front to the Democratic National Committee headquarters after we’d been physically removed from the premises. I’m sure DNC staff thought that ADAPT would head back to our hotel. Obviously, they don’t know ADAPT!

Several of our folks disappeared around the corner, and within minutes, tents and a large lean-to were erected. ADAPT members quickly settled down into what for many of us, has become a familiar routine. Banners were hung, a generator was set up, and a scene emerged that was reminiscent of DUH City and the Free Our People March, with strains of Colorado ADAPT’s vigil

Needless to say, DNC staff was not happy about us setting up camp, but there was little they could do since we made sure that we were on city property. They took umbrage at the fact that our dinner of pizza was delivered at their front door, but deliveries of any kind are typically made at physical addresses, not corners.

As usual, ADAPTers began getting to know one another, and were soon talking about various things happening in their states – budget cuts that are devastating the disability community, and the measure that were being taken — including vigils and protests – to deal with them.

It was interesting to watch the traffic go by, and to see cars slow down to read our huge, prominently displayed banner that read, “Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes. Community Choice Act NOW!” Passersby frequently stopped to ask what was going on, and we never missed an opportunity to educate them about The Community Choice Act (HR1670 and S 683), the institutional bias in long term care, and why CCA is key to healthcare reform. The most interesting folks that came by were two young (presumably) Republicans, who thought that since were are calling the Democrats out about their backsliding and flip-flopping, that we were republicans as well. When it comes to Civil rights and the lives of our people, its not about Democrat or Republican, its about doing the right thing.

Towards the wee hours of the night, Ari Ne’eman, of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, an ADAPT ally came by, to support us. He brought cookies and spent several hours with us.

If you want to support the ADAPTers at Camp DNC, contact the DNC headquarters and ask them accede to ADAPT’s demands. Get your local DNC to fax a letter the DNC headquarters in support of ADAPT. Go to the ADAPT website at www.adapt.org and see the video that ADAPT has done in response to the Democrats. If you’re here in Washington, DC, come on down and see us!

FREE OUR PEOPLE!