Hearings on disabilities begin tonight

The first of a half-dozen public hearings will be held tonight on issues affecting Iowans with disabilities. One of the meeting organizers is Becky Maddy Harker, executive director of the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council.Harker is hoping for a strong turnout at the meeting tonight in Des Moines and at the other locations around the state. She says this is a way for people with concerns to be heard.Estimates indicate about 50-thousand Iowans are developmentally disabled, or about eight percent of the population. She encourages people with disabilities to attend this hearing, as well as family members, elected officials, employers, educators and service providers.Tonight’s hearing begins at 6:30 at the Des Moines Botanical Center. Other meetings are on May 23rd in Maquoketa and Sac City, May 30th in Charles City, June 5th in Clarinda and June 7th in Mount Pleasant. For more information, call 800-452-1936.