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Month: April 2022

RespectAbility Disability Voters’ Guide: Los AngelesLos Angeles skyline with a mountain in the background

RespectAbility Disability Voters’ Guide: Los Angeles

Published by Alex Hilke on April 30, 2022

Key actions and positions posted on the intersection of disability, education, jobs, homelessness, and more

Los Angeles, CA, April 30 – Ahead of the upcoming primary, the nonpartisan disability rights nonprofit RespectAbility has released its latest Los Angeles Disability Voter Guide. According to the 2021 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. The disability community makes up 9.9 percent of the population in Los Angeles County and fully 11.3 percent of California’s state population. 

Nationwide, one-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. 

RespectAbility has asked Democratic and Republican candidates the same key questions about issues affecting people with disabilities, including employment, education, and accessibility. RespectAbility has sent multiple emails and placed many phone calls to the campaigns in order to solicit responses to the questionnaire. Below you can read responses from candidates on the ballot in Los Angeles who have already taken the time to address the concerns of voters with disabilities.

Continue readingRespectAbility Disability Voters’ Guide: Los Angeles
Wilson Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireMel Wilson smiling wearing a suit in front of LA City Hall

Wilson Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 30, 2022

Los Angeles, April 30 – Candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles Mel Wilson has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Wilson is running in the nonpartisan primary for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Continue readingWilson Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Niou Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability IssuesYuh-Line Niou smiling headshot

Niou Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability Issues

Published by Philip Pauli on April 29, 2022

New York, NY, April 29 – New York State Representative and State Senate primary candidate Yuh-Line Niou has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. In total, there are 2.3 million New York State residents living with some form of disability and the disability community makes up 12.3 percent of the Empire State’s population.

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.

Niou is running against incumbent state Senator Brian P. Kavanagh in the Democratic primary to represent New York’s 26th State Senate district. Kavanaugh has not yet replied to RespectAbility’s questionnaire.

Continue readingNiou Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability Issues
Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Oklahoma on Solutions for People with DisabilitiesState flag of Oklahoma

Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Oklahoma on Solutions for People with Disabilities

Published by Wally Tablit on April 28, 2022

Oklahoma City, OK, April 28 – This week, the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development (GCWED) met to discuss the status of workforce practices in Oklahoma. In response to this meeting, RespectAbility, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, submitted testimony on how to implement best practices, advocate for greater inclusion and improve the standing of people with disabilities in the workforce.

“When it was passed with broad, bipartisan support in 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) invested unprecedented resources into efforts to get people with barriers to employment into the labor force,” said Olegario “Ollie” Cantos VII, RespectAbility’s Chairman. “Now, after the pandemic that has reshaped our economy, it is time to devote significant attention to supporting the economic advancement of students, job-seekers, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.”

There are more than 373,359 working age (18-64) Oklahomans living with some form of disability. Before the pandemic, 37.8 percent of the working age population of people with disabilities were employed. It is critical that Oklahoma’s Workforce Development Board listen to the individuals with disabilities and advocates impacted by these unemployment rates. In order to make the workforce more inclusive, and to find practical ways to make the workforce more accessible for the entire population, RespectAbility collects, summarizes, and publicizes ideas on key workforce solutions. To learn more about RespectAbility’s advocacy work, please visit our Policy website.

Continue readingBuilding an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Oklahoma on Solutions for People with Disabilities
Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Montana on Solutions for People with DisabilitiesMontana state flag

Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Montana on Solutions for People with Disabilities

Published by Wally Tablit on April 28, 2022

Helena, MT, April 28 – This week, the Montana State Workforce Innovation Board met to discuss the status of workforce practices in Montana. In response to this meeting, RespectAbility, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, submitted testimony on how to implement best practices, advocate for greater inclusion and improve the standing of people with disabilities in the workforce.

“When it was passed with broad, bipartisan support in 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) invested unprecedented resources into efforts to get people with barriers to employment into the labor force,” said Olegario “Ollie” Cantos VII, RespectAbility’s Chairman. “Now, after the pandemic that has reshaped our economy, it is time to devote significant attention to supporting the economic advancement of students, job-seekers, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.”

There are more than 73,328 working age (18-64) Montanans living with some form of disability. Before the pandemic, 41.6 percent of the working age population of people with disabilities were employed. It is critical that Montana’s Workforce Development Board listen to the individuals with disabilities and advocates impacted by these unemployment rates. In order to make the workforce more inclusive, and to find practical ways to make the workforce more accessible for the entire population, RespectAbility collects, summarizes, and publicizes ideas on key workforce solutions. To learn more about RespectAbility’s advocacy work, please visit our Policy website.

Continue readingBuilding an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Montana on Solutions for People with Disabilities
Coalition Partners Offer Key Solutions to Work DisincentivesConsortium for Constituents with Disabilities logo. Text: Testimony. Logo for Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Coalition Partners Offer Key Solutions to Work Disincentives

Published by Philip Pauli on April 27, 2022

Washington, D.C., April 27 – This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) closed public feedback via a Request for Information (RFI) about key disability topics, benefit system challenges, and economic mobility questions. In response, several national disability advocacy organizations, acting as part of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), joined forces to develop a thorough set of recommendations to CMS about how to support people with disabilities who want to work. 

The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) is the largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.

The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), RespectAbility, and the United Spinal Association, operating under their joint work as the CCD Employment and Training Task Force, collaborated to offer employment-focused policy ideas. Members of the CCD Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) Task Force offered their own comments with a strong focus on rights, independent living, and continued access to key life-saving benefits. 

Continue readingCoalition Partners Offer Key Solutions to Work Disincentives
ADA Co-Sponsor and Retired Senator Orrin Hatch Dies at Age 88former Senator Orrin Hatch wearing a suit and tie

ADA Co-Sponsor and Retired Senator Orrin Hatch Dies at Age 88

Published by Philip Pauli on April 25, 2022

Washington, D.C., April 25 – This past weekend, former Senator Orrin Hatch died in Salt Lake City, Utah. Originally elected in 1976, Hatch would go on to represent Utah in the United States Senate for seven terms, making him the longest serving Republican Senator in American history. Hatch authored or co-sponsored more than 750 pieces of legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. 

In a public statement, President Joe Biden highlighted the character of the Utahan Senator he worked with for so many years: “Orrin…looked out for the people who often didn’t have a voice in our laws and our country. I saw this in his efforts to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.”

Reflecting on the passing of Sen. Hatch, RespectAbility’s Chairman Ollie Cantos said “Orin Hatch was a man whose achievements are eclipsed only by his strength of character and heart of platinum. As one grateful to have spent individual time with him along with my boys, I will greatly miss him.”

Continue readingADA Co-Sponsor and Retired Senator Orrin Hatch Dies at Age 88
Vasquez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireDulce Vasquez smiling in front of a street sign in Los Angeles

Vasquez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 22, 2022

Los Angeles, April 22 – Candidate for the L.A. City Council Dulce Vasquez has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Vasquez is running in the primary to represent the 9th District in the L.A. City Council.

Continue readingVasquez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Yebri Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireSam Yebri smiling in front of a bookshelf wearing a suit and tie

Yebri Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 18, 2022

Los Angeles, April 18 – Candidate for the L.A. City Council Sam Yebri has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Yebri is running in the primary to represent the 5th District in the L.A. City Council.

Continue readingYebri Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Utah on Solutions for People with DisabilitiesState flag of Utah

Building an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Utah on Solutions for People with Disabilities

Published by Wally Tablit on April 14, 2022

Salt Lake City, UT, April 14 – This week, the Utah Workforce Development Board met to discuss the status of workforce practices in the Beehive State. In response to this meeting, RespectAbility, a national, non-partisan nonprofit organization, submitted testimony on how to implement best practices, advocate for greater inclusion and improve the standing of people with disabilities in the workforce.

“When it was passed with broad, bipartisan support in 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) invested unprecedented resources into efforts to get people with barriers to employment into the labor force,” said Olegario “Ollie” Cantos VII, RespectAbility’s Chairman. “Now, after the pandemic that has reshaped our economy, it is time to devote significant attention to supporting the economic advancement of students, job-seekers, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.”

There are more than 187,000 working age (18-64) Utahans living with some form of disability. Before the pandemic, 47.5 percent of the working age population of people with disabilities were employed. It is critical that Utah’s Workforce Development Board listen to the individuals with disabilities and advocates impacted by these unemployment rates. In order to make the workforce more inclusive, and to find practical ways to make the workforce more accessible for the entire population, RespectAbility collects, summarizes, and publicizes ideas on key workforce solutions. To learn more about RespectAbility’s advocacy work, please visit our Policy website.

Continue readingBuilding an Equitable Recovery: RespectAbility Advises Utah on Solutions for People with Disabilities
Advancing Competitive Integrated Employment: RespectAbility Advises AbilityOne Commission on Strategic PlanU.S. AbilityOne Commission logo. Text: Testimony

Advancing Competitive Integrated Employment: RespectAbility Advises AbilityOne Commission on Strategic Plan

Published by Philip Pauli on April 13, 2022

Washington, D.C., April 13 – One of the nation’s oldest federal disability employment programs is looking ahead and adapting for the future. This week, the U.S. AbilityOne Commission finished collecting public comment and direct feedback on a new 2022-2026 Strategic Plan for the nation’s most important government program to employ people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

Originally founded in 1938 with the passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act, the AbilityOne program directly helps people who are blind or have significant disabilities through employment programs, contracts to satisfy government procurement needs, and a full range of services/supports.

Looking ahead to the future, the AbilityOne Commission, which oversees these programs, is rolling out a new strategic plan to decide on goals, set priorities, and measure success. In response, the national disability inclusion organization RespectAbility developed and submitted a clear set of recommendations and ideas on how to make this strategic plan better.

Continue readingAdvancing Competitive Integrated Employment: RespectAbility Advises AbilityOne Commission on Strategic Plan
Murez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireJim Murez smiling wearing a suit and tie

Murez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 11, 2022

Los Angeles, April 11 – Candidate for the L.A. City Council and Venice Neighborhood Council President Jim Murez has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Murez is running in the primary to represent the 11th District in the L.A. City Council.

Continue readingMurez Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Park Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireTraci Park headshot smiling

Park Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 11, 2022

Los Angeles, April 11 – Candidate for the L.A. City Council and municipal law attorney Traci Park has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Park is running in the primary to represent the 11th District in the L.A. City Council.

Continue readingPark Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Becomes First Black Woman to Serve on the U.S. Supreme CourtOfficial portrait of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Becomes First Black Woman to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court

Published by Alex Hilke on April 7, 2022

Washington, D.C., April 7 – This afternoon, the United States Senate elevated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the 104th Associate Justice to serve on the Supreme Court of the United State with a 53-47 vote. Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, and Romney crossed the aisle to confirm Justice Jackson with the entire Democratic caucus voting to confirm. Justice Jackson makes history as the first Black woman and the first former public defender to serve on the Court.

Before being appointed by President Biden to replace the retiring Justice Breyer on February 25, Justice Jackson served as a Biden-appointed Judge on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals since June 17, 2021. In 2013, Justice Jackson was appointed by President Obama to the District Court of the District of Columbia.

During her time on the lower courts, Justice Jackson has ruled that public school districts must do their due diligence to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, providing students adequate services before placing them in private school. Justice Jackson has also ruled incarceration facilities must address the needs of every prisoner with a disability upon entry. As a public defender, Justice Jackson defended clients with mental health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Continue readingJustice Ketanji Brown Jackson Becomes First Black Woman to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court
Riemer Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability IssuesHans Riemer smiling headshot

Riemer Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability Issues

Published by Philip Pauli on April 7, 2022

Rockville, MD, April 7 – Councilmember At-Large and Montgomery County Executive candidate Hans Riemer has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately 83,000 people with disabilities living with some form of disability in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing. 

Continue readingRiemer Completes Candidate Questionnaire on Disability Issues
Daylight Saving Time and the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021illustration of a person adjusting a clock for daylight savings time

Daylight Saving Time and the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021

Published by Rostom Dadian on April 6, 2022

Washington, D.C., April 6 – Last month, the United States Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 with a rare, unanimous vote. The proposed legislation would make daylight saving time permanent effective on November 5, 2023, meaning that Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.

Proponents of the legislation argue that the time change causes an increase in car accidents and reduces productivity. According to Quartz, “researchers have seen a consistent pattern of car crashes increasing in the days after the switch to daylight saving time, when people lose an hour of sleep, and decreasing in the fall when people gain an hour.” Extra light in the evening, proponents argue, also would benefit the economy as people would be more likely to go out and spend money.

Continue readingDaylight Saving Time and the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021
Blumenfield Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate QuestionnaireBob Blumenfield smiling headshot wearing a suit and tie

Blumenfield Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Published by Philip Pauli on April 5, 2022

Los Angeles, April 5 – 3rd District L.A. City Council member Bob Blumenfield has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. 

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are approximately one million people living in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area with some form of disability. 

Polls show that the majority of voters have either a disability or a loved one with a disability. Voters with disabilities and their families are up for grabs – and the actions campaigns take to reach out to these voters can make the difference between winning and losing.  

Blumenfield is running for re-election in the Los Angeles City Council’s 3rd District, representing the West San Fernando Valley.

Continue readingBlumenfield Completes Los Angeles-Area Disability Candidate Questionnaire
Carr Completes Disability Candidate Questionnaire in North Carolina Senate RaceJames Carr Jr. headshot

Carr Completes Disability Candidate Questionnaire in North Carolina Senate Race

Published by Philip Pauli on April 4, 2022

Raleigh, NC, April 4 – Democratic Senate candidate, U.S. Air Force veteran, IT consultant, and CPA James Carr Jr. has responded to a detailed candidate questionnaire on disability issues. The questionnaire is from RespectAbility, a nonpartisan nonprofit disability organization that does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

One-in-five Americans has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. People with disabilities are America’s largest minority group. It is also the only one that, due to accident, aging or illness, anyone can join at any time. Indeed, there are over 1.4 million people living with some form of disability in North Carolina and their votes could be crucial in deciding who will represent them in the United States Senate. 

Carr is the first candidate in the upcoming North Carolina Senate race to respond to RespectAbility’s candidate questionnaire. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes. RespectAbility has reached out to key Senate and gubernatorial campaigns on both sides of the aisle and will be posting all responses on The RespectAbility Report. 

Continue readingCarr Completes Disability Candidate Questionnaire in North Carolina Senate Race