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Lobbying is a competitive effort directed to reaching legislators who are attempting to balance the demands of individuals, organized groups, political parties and the complex economic realities of our times. Unfortunately, the use of all-inclusive “mega numbers” (whether it is the millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities or the billions of dollars for needed services) is diffi cult for any person to place in proper perspective. As a result, the millions of children and adults with
intellectual/developmental disabilities become “just numbers” – not actual people. The need is to somehow personalize these numbers if we are to bring increased attention to these individuals
with special needs. Census Bureau and private research foundation data are used to illustrate an
approach to personalize the information for individual politicians.