August 12, 2004

Goodman Speaks Out for People with Parkinson's Disease

The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Republican candidate for Congress in the 17th District of Illinois has attacked her opponent’s fitness to serve because he has Parkinson’s disease. Lee Goodman, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 10th District, urged all candidates to renounce campaigning that discriminates on the basis of Parkinson’s and other medical conditions. “The mere fact that a person has Parkinson’s disease is not an indication of inability to serve in Congress. Parkinson’s patients have widely varying symptoms, and the disease progresses at very different rates in different people. There are a number of medications and treatments available. It is grossly inaccurate and unfair to imply that Parkinson’s is always debilitating.”

Goodman, a professional mediator who has worked with people with a number of medical conditions, said that politics that discriminate against people because of their medical conditions is contrary to the aim and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “We have been working for years to break down barriers that keep people from participating to the fullest extent possible. Instead of perpetuating stereotypes, political leaders should be doing everything they can to help people who face challenges that others have the good fortune not to be burdened with.”

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