What is Interoperability? 
Interoperability is defined as the ability of systems and devices to exchange and interpret data. Many states use Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) which allow providers and patients to access and share electronic medical information. The real-time sharing of health information among an individual’s integrated care team, including providers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, and others, allows for a 360 degree view of a person’s history to improve outcomes, increase transparency and efficiency, and empower individuals. The ability to view social and human services data in tandem with medical information to provide care that is informed by all of an individual’s experiences.

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President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law on July 30, 1965 as amendments to the Social Security Act. Medicaid and Medicare began as programs to provide health insurance to low-income Americans.

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Today we celebrate the 27^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 26, 1990, the landmark civil rights legislation was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. Throughout the past 27 years our country has advanced the rights, accessibility, and inclusion of individuals. However, there is always more work to be done to reach full integration in the community and access to necessary supports and services.

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This week, July 17-July 21, is the second annual National Disability Voter Registration Week (NDVRW). The REV UP Campaign orchestrates this observance to increase the political power of individuals with disabilities, educate voters with disabilities about their rights, and raise awareness of the broader population including candidates and the media. Voting is a right of every American and it's vital that people do not feel disenfranchised when they go to the polls. 

There are many barriers that prevent people with disabilities from voting in-person or at all. Often times, the polling precincts aren’t compliant with accessibility standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have physical restrictions preventing access to the buildings or lack accommodations for people with visual or hearing impairments. In many cases, poll workers have turned away people with intellectual and developmental disabilities because they incorrectly believe the person doesn’t have the mental capacity to vote.

This year, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) partnered with EveryLibrary to host programming, outreach, public education, and on-site voter registration in libraries in over 40 states across the country. Librarians across the country will be uniting to promote and expand voter registration.

If you're interested in getting involved or engaging with your community to participat in NDVRW there are many different options! 

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