Doro Bush Koch

“DISABILITY MATTERS” WITH JOYCE BENDER

WWW.VOICEAMERICA.COM

OCTOBER 5, 2004

2pm ET

HOST: JOYCE BENDER

GUEST: DORO BUSH KOCH

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This text is being provided in a rough draft format. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.

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>> Welcome to "Disability Matters," with your host, Joyce Bender. All comments, views, and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the host, guest and caller. Now the host of "Disability Matters," here is Joyce Bender.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And welcome to the show, and what a great, great show we have today. As you know, at the beginning of every show, my first question to all of my listeners: Are you registered to vote? Are you registered to vote? Don't forget those words of Justin Dart. It makes a difference when you vote. It makes a difference when you step out there and pull that lever, because that choice you make could be a choice that impacts your life. Remember how Justin advocated for that? And how appropriate that we have such a fantastic show and special guest for you today.

Before I introduce our guest, let me begin with a quote you have heard me say so many times on this radio show: "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down!" And you remember those words. They were by former President George Bush when he signed our freedom, our right to liberty, the Americans with Disabilities Act.

And today, what a great honor it is to have his daughter, and the sister of our current President, Doro Bush Koch, on our show. And it is an honor to have you, Doro, welcome to our show.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Thank you, Joyce. I'm really glad to be on your show today. I'm just thrilled you asked me.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, I'm thrilled to have you. And you have to say something about Doro, and I know her and let me tell you what, I do not know, still don't understand, how you can be the daughter of one of our favorite and most famous presidents who signed that ADA, President George H.W. Bush, and sister of the current President, grew up probably knowing all the prime ministers and rulers throughout the world, and yet you are the most down-to-earth, kind person. How do you manage to do that, Doro?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, Joyce, that is so sweet of you to say. I don't know if I'm really that, but I think I have had the greatest parents anybody could ever have. I've been so blessed. You know, growing up in our household was very normal. People always say oh, what was it like? You know, my dad was just a loving, compassionate, caring father, and my mother was the same way. And you know she kept us in line and they were just great parents. And parenting came first no matter what they were doing in our life. And they set excellent examples for us growing up. And so I think good parenting is so important. And if we're lucky and blessed to be able to have good parents, I think that makes a big difference in your life.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, you have certainly been blessed. Because you know to me what symbolizes a great leader is a person who serves. And I can tell all of you listeners that I do know Doro personally and let me be the first to tell you, she is a down-to-earth, kind person, all the time. Really a good role model for many people that forget about who they are and forget that it's not always just about me.

And, Doro, I know your family, starting with your father, has been so dedicated to Americans with disabilities, as I mentioned earlier. I say his words frequently, and he was the person and the President who signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. And I have two close friends, Dick and Ginny Thornburgh, who I know have so often spoken to me about your family and what they have done.

But for you, to me, President Bush is the champion of All Points of Light to Americans with disabilities, because he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act and gave freedom to people who are oppressed and who had not had a chance for equality in this country.

I can't imagine, tell me, what does that mean to you?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, you know, really I think when my father signed the Americans with Disabilities Act it was one of the things I was most proud of in his years as President. He, you know, the Americans with Disabilities Act just signals an end to terrible segregation and exclusion of people with disabilities who have every right to be in the mainstream of American life. And so I believe it's an extension of the declaration of independence and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and you know I just -- it just really -- I was incredibly proud, still am to this day, for his leadership with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and so he did lots of great things as President, but I think this was one of the very best things he did.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And we have a question for you right here from Pennsylvania, from Linda, saying: First of all, Mrs. Koch, congratulations to you and your family for what they have done. I am a person with a disability, so your father means so much to me. Can you tell us or tell me what that day was like when the ADA was signed? >> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I was there that day. And I had been working at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I had been associated with that hospital for 15 years. And so for me it really was -- I was an employee there. And that hospital is run by this wonderful man named Ed Eckenhoff, who is a person with disabilities, and so he started this hospital from the ground up. And so I learned a lot about disability, working there.

And then on that day, July 26, 1990, when my father signed the historic regulation, I was able to attend and be there. And it was incredible. It was, you know, you had the sense that history was being made. And to look out at the sea of faces, there were many people with disabilities at the White House that day, and there was a sense of hope. So it was a wonderful day.

Was that the question, Joyce? What was the question?

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. That was the question.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Okay.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And I have a question. What do you think that meant to your father that day, to the President?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I know that my dad had trouble keeping, you know, we're all sort of emotional people in our family. And so I know he was fighting off tears that day, because I know he was thinking about people's lives that were going to change for the better. And you know your quote about, you know, the walls of exclusion tumbling down. I mean, those were powerful words that he made in his speech, and I know that he was thinking about the people that were going to experience completely different lives because of this legislation.

And so I remember sort of looking at him and -- because I know him so well, I could see that he was feeling incredibly moved by what he saw all spread out on the White House lawn that day and the impact that this legislation would have on people's lives.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And I will say to your father, the former President, and then we will be talking about the current President, but I will say about your father, though, what he did is he gave freedom to millions of Americans with disabilities who did not have freedom. It has changed the life of so many people by signing that ADA. And I can say as a women with hearing loss and epilepsy, I know that prior to 1990 I would have had to put on an employment application what medication I take? Which of course, when I say Dilantin, they say oh, anticonvulsant medication. And prior to that, people could not go into restaurants because they thought you were a fire hazard when you were in a wheelchair. There were so many things that changed accessibility. But most important is dignity.

That's the most important.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: I think so, too. And I think it was an important legislation for American businesses, because, you know, they knew after the ADA was signed that people with disabilities want to work. And you know more about this than I do, Joyce, because this is what you do day-to-day. But you know that people with disabilities would not only bring diversity to the workplace, but loyalty and proven low turn-over rates, and I'm sort of talking your world, now, but I think it was just a really important day for American businesses as well.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Now, we know what an impact that had on your family. What about you, what did that mean to you specifically that your father signed that great Civil Rights Act? How did that impact you?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, it just made me more aware of how important it is to, as you were saying earlier, the dignity of each individual, human being. And so as a result I've continued my work, you know, on the fringes of the disability world.

I mentioned I had been with the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I continue to be there to help in any way that I can. And just, you know, really opened my eyes to what was going on in the disability world. And I try to follow it. I try to be involved when I can.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes, and you've even spoken not just on this show, but you've spoken other places about this. Isn't that correct?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: I have. I didn't speak at the convention in New Jersey that I was telling you about one day. But, I have spoken some. But I want to continue to stay involved with you and work with the hospital.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. And, actually, we had a question from a Janice in Maryland saying: Doro, could you tell us a little bit more about what you do today with the National Rehabilitation Hospital?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, sure. I started out in the early '90s. I worked, I was a single mom with two children and I was employed by Ed Eckenhoff at his hospital to work in the development office. And I worked on events that went on at the hospital. And then I ran several of the boards at the hospital. And then they asked me to be on the advisory board of the hospital. And then now I serve on the board of directors. And so I really try to help fund a lot of the programs that they have there. They have a wonderful research department for Assistive Technology, things to help people who have become disabled get back into the mainstream of life.

And so that's how I help. And I was very honored last week because I got the board of directors award. So... they must think I'm helping in some way over there.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, we will talk about that a little bit when we come back. We are speaking to Doro Bush Koch, sister of the President of the United States of America, and daughter of our hero who signed the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This is Joyce Bender, we will be right back after this break.

(Music.)

>> At Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, our mission is to provide superior technology consulting services to our customers, while creating career opportunities, independence and freedom for People with Disabilities. While the demand for skilled technology professionals is reaching an all-time high, over 13 million disabled Americans, many of them experts in technology, remain unemployed.

Since 1995, Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, has worked to solve these critical social and business issues by providing employers with reliable talent and giving individuals with disabilities the chance to display their talents and enhance their lives through solid careers. If you're a person with a disability seeking employment, send us your resume via e-mail to resume@benderconsult.com. For more information about our services, visit www.benderconsult.com in the US, and www.benderofcanada.com in Canada.

Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, providing and creating employment opportunities, freedom and independence for People with Disabilities. www.benderconsult.com.

>> Welcome back to "Disability Matters" with Joyce Bender. If you have a question or comment for Joyce or her guest, please call toll free at 1-888-335-5204. Now, back to "Disability Matters," here's Joyce Bender.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And welcome back to the show. And we are speaking to Doro Bush Koch, who is not only the daughter of the President -- sister -- daughter of the former President and sister of the current President, but is herself a great civil rights leader for Americans with Disabilities. And Doro, thank you. It's great to have you with us.

You were talking before we went to break, you were talking about the National Rehab Hospital. And I just wanted to add one comment before we go on. I, too, know Ed Eckenhoff and I just want to say what he is doing and what that hospital is doing is absolutely phenomenal. And it's really a treasure in the United States.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: It really is. And you know he started -- Ed Eckenhoff had a car accident and has a spinal cord injury and is paralyzed from the waist down. And he is a great example to people, you know, that nothing is holding him back from starting and running this incredibly successful hospital that does so many great things for the community and for, really, it's a national hospital so, for really the world. They have patients from all over the world, and they have gotten people, you know, back to driving and working and living and, you know, really gotten their dignity back. And it's a wonderful place.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes, it is. And listen this year as the holidays approach and you're thinking of making a contribution, you should remember the National Rehabilitation Hospital. We have a great treasure in this company, but we all need funding to continue on. So remember that when you're writing out those checks. As Doro mentioned, she is on the board and was formerly an employee and has been affiliated with them for a long time. And I believe your mother was, also.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: My mother, when she was first lady, came to visit and was a big supporter of the hospital as well.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, I say to your mother and your father, the former President, thank you from all Americans with disabilities for what you have done.

But now we want to talk about the current President, who I am sure the current President was impacted by your father and the role model he set as far as including Americans with disabilities in his presidency. Do you feel that is correct, Doro?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: I think so. I think he can't help but, you know, be impacted by the example that my father set of passing this historic legislation. And he, too, has passed sort of some addendum legislation. Because even though we made progress, I would say I think we made a lot of progress breaking down barriers that, you know, limit people with disabilities to enter the workplace. But, more has to be done. And so I think this President is committed to doing more.

Well, I know he is because I know him very, very well. And so I know that his commitment is strong in this area.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, that is wonderful. And as a matter of fact, I just want to mention that in July he signed an executive order.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Yes, the freedom --

>> JOYCE BENDER: The Individual Emergency Preparedness Act, the recent one that he signed. And I just want to mention to all of our listeners that next week on our show is Dan Sutherland, who works with Secretary Ridge, and he will be talking about President Bush signing the Individual Emergency Preparedness Act. But in addition to that, yes, I know what you're referring to.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: And that is a great act, because that helps, you know, in time of crisis, people with disabilities, to make sure that, you know, everyone is taken care of and is under the protection that every single individual deserves. So it's a good one.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. That's right. As a matter of fact, for those of you, and listen next week, you'll hear a great story, I'm not going to -- I know Dan next week is going to tell us all about it. So I'll let Dan tell us all the stories when he is on the show. But I know that the President signed this because he wanted to protect all Americans, including Americans with Disabilities. And that is very important to us, since there are 50 million Americans with disabilities. And I always tell people, you know, there are more than that. There's 50 million that stated that they have disabilities. But you know that's a wonderful thing, because now if there is an attack on our country or even a disaster, it's important that all people are protected.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Yes.

>> JOYCE BENDER: But I think you were going to talk about probably the New Freedom Initiative.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: I was going to mention the New Freedom Initiative. That is a program designed to address the root causes of the economic problems that face the disabled. This is something that is very important to the current President. And it just is an act that will, a program that will provide more resources for education, more funding for assistive technologies, and better access to healthcare and will help in the area of transportation as well.

And you know this President really believes that all Americans should have the option of pursuing employment, that it's everybody's God-given right. With good wages, you know, and shouldn't be discriminated against because of one's health condition or any other thing.

So it's -- it will be great and something that is very important to this President.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. And the New Freedom Initiative came real early in President Bush's presidency. That was one of the first things he talked about when he became the President. And that's what made me think this was a very important influence from even his father. But obviously it's important to him personally.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: It is; it is. And, you know, it's something that he will continue to work on. But there's lots of things that this administration is doing for the people with disabilities. And I just -- I don't know, Joyce, if you've talked about this on your show or not. But the administration has taken steps to -- well, first of all, I want to tell you about the website. Have you talked about the disability information.gov website?

>> JOYCE BENDER: We have talked about it before. But you can mention it again.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Okay. Well, I would encourage anyone interested to look at this resource for the disabled. It's -- it talks about job training and healthcare and educational opportunities. And it's a very important website that identifies public and private resources. And I looked it up and it's really quite helpful. And it's www.disabilityinfo.gov. And I think it's something definitely worth looking into.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Oh, well that is outstanding. And we do have a question here for you from Cindy in Ohio. By the way, listeners, I appreciate all the e-mail we receive and all the questions, but we can only take so many when we're interviewing someone on here. But I do want to mention this, or ask this question from Cindy in Ohio: Mrs. Koch, do you think we will hear the President and Senator Kerry talk more about quality of life for Americans with disabilities as they continue on in the campaign?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: You know, if I have my way, they will. I mean, I think it is so important for the President and for anyone running for President to address this population, this really important population of people. And the President has, you know, I should have researched this before I came on the show, because I do know the President has mentioned this in some of his speeches, but he hasn't mentioned it enough. And he needs to mention it more and address the persons with disability population, without a doubt. And I think our opponent does as well. But, there are a lot of things that this administration is doing that are positive.

But I'm with your caller, with your e-mailer I should say, that yes, we do need to address that more in speeches so that people hear in words out loud that the President cares about People with Disabilities. Because I know he does. But oftentimes, you know, people don't know that unless they hear it in black and white or see it in black and white in a speech.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, that goes right along with our next question from Dan in West Virginia, which says: Mrs. Koch, there are 48 million of us in America. I am a person with a disability. We do have a voice. What can we do to hear more of a voice about us? What can I do personally?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I think there are so many things that we can all do. And it is an important voice that needs to be heard. This President, you know, there is sort of a wonderful thing coming up that I think we can all take part in, and it's called the National Disability Mentoring Day. It will be on October 20th. Do you know about this, Joyce?

>> JOYCE BENDER: Oh, yes.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: It's probably something big --

>> JOYCE BENDER: I'm the regional coordinator for Pennsylvania, the National Disability Mentoring Day. And it's so great to hear you say that. So I appreciate you mentioning that, Doro.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, don't you think that is one way that people can be involved? And it's a program, you can speak to it much better than I can, I'm sure, but it's designed to enhance internship and employment opportunities for People with Disabilities. And it's a program that pairs disabled individuals with a business for a day or -- and I know it sort of goes hand in hand, Joyce, with what you do.

And I think it just gives opportunity for people with disabilities. But these are the kinds of community things we can be involved in.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And with that, when we come back from this break, I will talk about National Disability Mentoring Day. And also, Dan, I have a suggestion for you as soon as I come back from this break, with a great leader for Americans with disability, Doro Bush Koch.

This is Joyce Bender, the voice of VoiceAmerica.Com. We will be right back.

(Music.)

Since 1995, Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, has worked to solve these critical social and business issues by providing employers with reliable talent and giving individuals with disabilities the chance to display their talents and enhance their lives through solid careers. If you're a person with a disability seeking employment send us your resume via e-mail to resume@benderconsult.com. For more information about our services, visit www.benderconsult.com in the US, and www.benderofcanada.com in Canada.

Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, providing and creating employment opportunities, freedom and independence for People with Disabilities. www.benderconsult.com.

>> If you have a question or comment, please call toll free at 1-888-335-5204. Now, please welcome back the host of "Disability Matters," here's Joyce Bender.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And welcome back to this exciting show where we are talking to Doro Bush Koch, and it is such an honor to have her with us. Doro, I think you wanted to respond when Dan was asking Doro, in case you just tuned in, and Doro of course is the sister of our current President, and he was asking what we could do to have more of a voice, People with Disabilities.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I was talking about ways to be involved in your community and I mentioned before National Disability Mentoring Day, which I hope Joyce will talk a bit more about that.

But one of the most effective ways to be involved, Dan, is to write to your local elected officials, to your Congressmen, to your Senator, to the President of the United States and let him hear what you have to say. Also, another effective way is to be -- to write letters to the editor of newspapers, and let people hear your voice. It is so important. And I think those are very effective ways to do it.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And I agree with you 100 percent. You know, in reference to National Disability Mentoring Day, at our company where 90 percent of my employees are People with Disabilities, I always tell them what really builds character is volunteerism, you know, doing volunteer work. And one project I'm proud to be the regional coordinator of is Disability Mentoring Day. And what that is, it started in 1990, and it is a day which is the third Wednesday of every October, where a high school or college student with a disability goes on-site to a company for a day of job shadowing. And you know what? It is so important, because it does two things. Number one, it gives hope to high school students with disabilities that there are competitive employment opportunities for them in the future. And the second thing it does is it hopefully will break down those attitudinal barriers that exist toward employing People with Disabilities.

So, I would encourage all of you to get involved. The American Association of People with Disabilities and the Federal Department of Labor work together on Disability Mentoring Day. And all you have to do is go to AAPD-dc.org and you can read about Disability Mentoring Day or e-mail me: disabilitymatters@benderconsult.com and I'll get you whatever information you need.

So, Doro, if we could continue just for one minute talking about the current President, because see this is great, people are e-mailing. And that you're on this show, because again wow! With 48 to 50 million of us known, you know, that is a lot of people.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: It is.

>> JOYCE BENDER: That's a lot of people. And I wanted to ask you about this problem we have here with unemployment. As you well know from many conversations we have had, the unemployment for Americans with disabilities is still, as Dick Thornburgh always says, way too high. And my question to you is why? Why do you think -- I mean, why do you think we have this problem, Doro?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I think there are several reasons. But I think, you know, education is a problem. We need to be more educated as a whole; all of us need to be more educated.

And there are other reasons as well. Let's see. I think people who are disabled oftentimes, you know, haven't graduated from high school, and some people who are disabled don't own their homes and have difficulty accessing technology that is needed, that is critical to being successful in our work. And there are still barriers, unfortunately.

And I think healthcare insurance coverage is a problem. Many people, you know, who are disabled have unique healthcare needs. And I know that you know way more about this than I do, but the needs are not being taken care of in standard healthcare packages. And so these are all problems.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, you know what? I had a great honor. Doro, I got to meet another person I think very highly of just last week and that is Ms. Patti La Belle. She was singing in Pittsburgh. You know that is my theme song, "New Attitude. "And why I bring that up, that's what we need. We need a new attitude in this country toward the employment of Americans with Disabilities. But I'm glad Dan asked that question. Because anyone listening to our show today, can write a letter to the White House. You can write to President Bush and say: I am an American with a disability. Whether you live in Pennsylvania or you live in Illinois or you live in California, no matter where you live, you know, and explain what is going on in your life and how you need help. And especially about this situation with employment. Because someone needs to continue helping us so that Americans with disabilities are not left out.

And I wanted to ask you, Doro, do you think President Bush will continue, you know, as he moves forward and if he is elected, to take a stand with federal agencies and ask them to increase the employment of People with Disabilities?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Definitely. Absolutely. You were kind enough to mention that one of the first actions the President took when he was sworn into office, I mean very early on, was the New Freedom Initiative. And you know it's all about insuring that all disabled Americans have opportunities to overcome some of these economic, educational and technical barriers that impair their ability to lead the kind of productive lives we should all be leading. And so I think -- I know he will continue, definitely, to take a stand with federal agencies and to continue his work in this area, because it is so important.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Because what it reminds me of is, you know, at a company, if the CEO says hey, this is important to me, it's miraculous what happens. So I feel the same thing can happen with the President, you know, just by continuing to say this is important to me. Because without that, unfortunately, it seems to be hard to get things to move forward. But you mentioned the New Freedom Initiative and there is a New Freedom Initiative award for companies that have furthered the employment of People with Disabilities and for individuals, and I was very honored to receive that award last year.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Oh, neat.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And Secretary Chao was there to present that award to me. But that New Freedom Initiative, why I love that, I love that name, New Freedom Initiative, because that's what it's all about, freedom. You're never free in this country until you have competitive employment like everyone else. And that's why I urge all of you: Do something; write a letter, you know, let the President know.

And, again, Doro gave you the website. Go look at the website. Even the White House website has information about People with Disabilities and the employment of People with Disabilities.

But what I wanted to ask you, Doro, before I read some of the other questions to you, is: What do you think President Bush could do to influence the private sector to enhance the employment of Americans with disabilities?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, the Americans with Disabilities Act is a sweeping civil rights law. Obviously, you know, it was designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to break down all of the barriers to employment that really limit the number of disabled individuals employed in the private and public sectors.

And among some of its provisions, the law restricts private sector and government entities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities; it encourages broader access to public transportation for individuals with disabilities, and facilitates telecommunication services for all those who are hearing and speech impaired.

And, Joyce, what was your question now?

>> JOYCE BENDER: That's all right. I was asking what do you think the President could do with the private sector, you know, business? What do you think he could do to sort of help us to get more employment for Americans with Disabilities?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Yes, okay. I was... well, there's lots -- the administration plans to extend Medicare and Medicaid coverage for certain working people with severe disabilities, so that they can stay at work without risking the loss of their health insurance benefits. I think health insurance is one of the real problems facing people with disabilities.

And, you know, we need to have access to affordable healthcare. It's one of the single most important goals for disabled individuals, I believe. And a very large part of the New Freedom Initiative talks about that. And there is a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of healthcare on our economy.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Listen, we will go to break for one minute. As soon as we come back, we can finish talking about that. And this is Joyce Bender and I'm with Doro Bush Koch, sister of the current President and a leader for all Americans with disabilities.

Joyce Bender, VoiceAmerica.Com. We will be right back.

(Music).

>> At Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, our mission is to provide superior technology consulting services to our customer, while creating career opportunities, independence and freedom for People with Disabilities. While the demand for skilled technology professionals is reaching an all-time high, over 13 million disabled Americans, many of them experts in technology, remain unemployed.

Bender Consulting Services, Incorporated, providing and creating employment opportunities, freedom and independence for People with Disabilities. www.benderconsult.com.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And welcome back to this exciting show. We are with Doro Bush Koch, who is the sister of the President of the United States of America. And, Doro, I think what we were talking about when we went to break --

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: You were talking about businesses, how to enhance employment for Americans with disabilities. And I know that the White House or the administration, I should say, wants to create new incentives for businesses to hire persons with disabilities. And I know that the White House is committed to providing funds to states to support low income loans for individuals with disabilities, so they can purchase technology, so that they can telecommute from home. And I think that is a great way to enhance employment is the home and telecommunications.

Also, tax incentives, there are some tax incentives, the President wants to change the tax code to make a donation of a computer or Internet access or something like that to the disabled, a tax free benefit. Because if a disabled individual has access to technology to work from home, employment opportunities will grow will be better. And so those are some of the ways. I know that this President is interested in enhancing employment for Americans with disabilities.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Well, that is tremendous, that is tremendous to all Americans with disabilities. And just remember as I said before, you know, get your paper out, write a letter to the President. Let him know how important all of this is to you. Really, people think that this goes to the White House and it goes into no man's land, but that is not true, is it Doro?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: No, not at all.

>> JOYCE BENDER: They do hear.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: If they get enough letters and e-mails, believe me, things change.

>> JOYCE BENDER: You heard that listeners? I get so many e-mails across the United States, but if you want to be heard at the White House, send and e-mail. Send a letter. I assure you, if the President of the United States heard from 3 million people, believe me, no matter who the President would be, they would listen.

But Doro, I also know that with that New Freedom Initiative, that even though, you know, companies may forget about this, if they do business with the Federal Government, you know, they have to be accessible.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Yes.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Due to the previous act, you know, that was signed, which is Section 508, they have to be accessible. But in addition to that, with the New Freedom Initiative, it really did make it clear that the President wanted to see People with Disabilities employed. And that's what we need. We need to see greater employment for Americans with disabilities.

But Doro I wanted to ask you before we close today a few last questions. One is for you specifically, you know, here we are, we are talking about the President and talking about your father, who was the President. But as I said, what has always been just so impressive to me about you is that you are a kind hearted, down-to-earth person that cares about people who are oppressed, including Americans with Disabilities. And that is what I think makes you such a great individual.

But for yourself, what are you the proudest of in your life? What accomplishment are you the proudest of?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Oh, I think that's hard. I don't know. I think one of the things I'm most proud of, of course are my four children. I have four really great children that love their family and want to come home. And that's, I think, that's my most proud accomplishment is that I have children who want to, you know, I have older children and they still want to come home and be with us. And I think that's a big accomplishment.

But I think in the example that my parents set for us about giving back to our communities, we have been blessed in our lives, and so I'm involved with -- in a lot of ways to give back to my community. And you just feel better about yourself when you volunteer and you give back and you do those things. And so I run the Barbara Bush Foundation for family literacy. I already talked about my work at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, and all of those things are ways to give back, you know. They are very small ways, I'm one person, but I think it's -- I'm very proud of having the example that has been set for me by my parents and by my family to give back to my community because we really can make a difference.

Even though they are small little steps we take and small things that we do, it adds up to big things. And so I would say those -- well, those were my proudest accomplishments.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And I know also that your husband is involved with a foundation and a fundraiser that I was at over a year ago, that he works very hard on. Isn't that correct?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: He is involved in the Crone's and Colitis Foundation. He has a sister who has had something like 18 surgeries. She has Crone's disease. And so he is very involved in raising money for research, and he runs a couple events for that. And so he, too, has sort of an example of service. And oh it's good.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. And I have been to that and it's a very good event. And as I always say and as I said before, giving back, that's what it's all about. Volunteerism really is the key to building character, and I do believe that.

Doro, I wanted to ask you a question. Before I ask you that, I wanted to read to you from one of our listeners who sent me an e-mail also from Pennsylvania, saying that: I have a child with a disability, so the future is very important to me at this time. Sometimes I feel as if there is no hope for my child. What advice do you have for me as I plan the future facing discrimination, and can you please pass this on to the current President?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Sure. I'll be happy to pass that onto the current President. But I think, you know, one of the things that -- you know, to insure that things change, that we can make the changes, is to become involved. Sometimes I know that life can seem overwhelming and that problems can seem so enormous, but when you become actively involved in your community, and when you do the things we were talking about earlier, and letting people know how you feel -- and I'll certainly let the President know about your e-mail -- that, you know, we can make differences and we can make a change. But I understand that sometimes, and especially with children when, you know, the emotion involved is very, you know, I mean, it can be overbearing at times. But you can also have such a feeling of hope and accomplishment when you do become involved in community programs and helping others and -- because in helping others, you help yourself.

>> JOYCE BENDER: Yes. Isn't that the truth? In helping others, you help yourself. And that is so true.

Doro, I want to say first to you, I think you are a great leader and a tremendous person who takes time from what we know is a very hectic and very busy life to help Americans with Disabilities. And I know for a fact that you do that in many ways. And I commend you for that, and your family. And please pass on to the current President that we all need help in employment for Americans with Disabilities. And anything he can do to mention that and carry that torch and flame set by his father would mean so much to all of us.

But I wanted to ask you, in closing, do you have a message for our listeners today before we end the show?

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Well, I would just say, you know, I hope that if it's appropriate to be political, I'm going to just say I hope that when you're considering your vote this fall, that you will cast your vote for this President, who has done quite a bit for Americans with Disabilities and will continue to work hard in that area. And who, you know, will be a great President. Because there are so many important issues; like the security of our country and the security and employment of every American. And he will continue to be a steady, consistent leader that we need in these extraordinary and unique times we live in.

>> JOYCE BENDER: And I will say in closing, with our quote from the current President at the signing of the New Freedom Initiative, "Whenever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it." Isn't that the truth?

Doro, pass that message on to him, his own words. Tell him: We need help opening those doors.

And Doro, I think you're wonderful. Thank you very much for helping Americans with disabilities.

>> DORO BUSH KOCH: Thank you for having me, Joyce.

>> JOYCE BENDER: All right. Listen, to all of you, next week, Dan Sutherland from the Department of Homeland Security. This is Joyce Bender, the voice on VoiceAmerica. I'll see you next week.

>> VoiceAmerica would like to thank you for tuning in, please join us next Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST for another installment of "Disability Matters", right here on the Internet leader in talk radio. VoiceAmerica.Com.

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