Issue Position: Disability Rights

Issue Position

Persons with disabilities constitute the largest minority group in the US. Many live with significant obstacles to mobility, cognition, hearing, vision, independent living, and self-care education. Roadblocks to jobs, education, social opportunities and housing for persons with disabilities persist despite Federal, State and Local efforts.

61 Million US adults -- about 1 in 4 Americans -- have a disability that impacts a major part of their life. With age, disabilities become more common. Additionally, there is a significant negative relationship between disability and economic status. As income decreases, the likelihood of developing a disability increases; persons with disabilities are faced with greater economic challenges. Yet, we still fail to adequately fund the public resources necessary to support individuals who live with a disability.

Together, with law enforcement officers and first responders, legislators must commit to keep everyone, including persons with disabilities, safe from crime, including hate crimes. Liz will work with municipal workers to train first responders on how to best work with persons with disabilities, and will fight against any actions that eliminate preexisting conditions in health plans, or proposals that would determine the ACA's protections for preexisting conditions unconstitutional.
Ending the waiting list for Home & Community Based Services for those with developmental (eg. Autism) and intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania is a major issue. Fighting prejudice, discrimination and stigma is another. It is in everyone's best interest to increase and improve access to healthcare, transportation, education, cultural events, employment and independent living for persons with disabilities because everyone benefits when we create an inclusive society

I will support the Four Pillars of the Americans for Disabilities Act through initiating and supporting policy in (1) Equality of opportunity, (2) Full Participation, (3) Independent Living (4) Economic self-sufficiency.
I will assist business leaders in understanding the benefits of hiring dedicated employees with disabilities, some of whose unique skill sets provide added value to business.
I will advance legislation that ensures that employees with disabilities receive fair wages.
I will work with municipal leaders to improve access to shopping, medical care, schools, recreational facilities and educate and empower business leaders to understand the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace.

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