American Samoa DD Network to Host 4th Gubernatorial Forum on Disability and Aging
Location: Gov. Rex Lee Auditorium in American Samoa Univ.
American Samoa DD Network in collaboration with the Advocates for Inclusion and Governance for All (AIGA, meaning Family) is hosting its 4th Gubernatorial Forum on October 24, 2016 at the Gov. Rex Lee Auditorium in American Samoa. Various disability issues in special education, employment, healthcare, entitlements, and community inclusion will be a highlighted. Taking the lead in sharing their stories and asking questions to the candidates are self-advocates of the AIGA and Parents of Children with Special Needs (PCSN) Network. A new partner to the advocacy network is the Toe Afua Mai Matua (TAMM, meaning Restoration Through Our Elders) that expressed interest to have an hour session with the candidates. This will be the first year to include aging as a partner to the advocacy experience at the forum.
Three gubernatorial teams are vying for the Governor and Lt. Governor seat. The First Lady of American Samoa, Cynthia Moliga is currently the Patron of Special Olympics while AS Representative Larry Sanitoa, a candidate for Lt. Governor, is a strong advocate for the disability community because of his Deaf granddaughter.
