2008 Democratic National Convention Enlists Senior Advisor To Ensure Convention Is Accessible For All Guests

Accessibility Advisor will be a Resource for Delegates and Guests with Disabilities.

As part of its continued commitment to put forward the most inclusive and accessible Convention possible, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced Becky Ogle, a recognized leader in the disability rights community, has joined the organization in Denver as Senior Advisor on Disability. Ogle will serve as a liaison between delegates with disabilities and the DNCC in the lead up to and during Convention week.

“Since the beginning, our goal has been to ensure that more people participate in this Convention than ever before – and making sure delegates with disabilities have an outstanding Convention experience is part of that effort,” said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. “Becky brings with her a long and proven track record of strong advocacy on behalf of the disability community and the Democratic Party, and we’re proud to have her on our team.”
 
While Ogle has advised the Convention remotely over the last few months, she now works full-time alongside other Convention organizers in Denver. Now that delegates have been selected in all 56 states and territories, Ogle will be responsible for outreach to and resources for delegates with disabilities as they finalize their plans and travel to Denver in August.

Since arriving in Denver more than a year ago, the DNCC has made accessibility an integral part of all aspects of Convention planning, from transportation and housing to designing the traffic flow at Convention events. In selecting official Convention venues, organizers chose sites that were ADA compliant and designed a transportation system that will accommodate all individuals including delegates and guests with disabilities.  Additionally, a closed captioning system will be available on the Convention floor for delegates who are deaf or hard of hearing.

At the DNCC, Ogle will work closely to ensure that accommodations are made for all people with disabilities so they can fully participate in all official Convention activities. Ogle will also conduct site visits at Convention venues and hotels around Denver.

“This Convention will be historic, not just because of our nominee, but also because it will be more accessible for more delegates than ever before,” said Ogle. “Convention leadership and staff at all levels have worked tirelessly to ensure that all delegates will be seamlessly integrated into Convention activities.”

Ogle, a native of Tennessee who has worked on three prior Democratic National Conventions, has an extensive background in advocating for people with disabilities. Prior to her work at the Convention, she served as Senior Advisor on Disability Issues for the Democratic National Committee (DNC). During the 2004 election cycle, she served in the same capacity for the Kerry-Edwards campaign. She also served as Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities during the Clinton administration.