Washington, D.C., June 17 – In addition to cosponsoring several pending pieces of legislation that would directly impact people with disabilities, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA 15) has outlined how he will include people with disabilities in his campaign and policies in response to a question posed to all of the viable 2020 presidential candidates by RespectAbility, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities for people with disabilities.
His campaign’s response included detailing his support of phasing out sub-minimum wages for employees with disabilities, as well as repealing the medical device excise tax. The statement also said Rep. Swalwell is “the only 2020 presidential candidate calling for a massive investment in research and technology to cure and alleviate the diseases and disabilities that ail us.”
Eight other Democratic presidential campaigns participated a nonpartisan briefing with RespectAbility on this topic: Biden, Booker, Gillibrand, Inslee, Klobuchar, Sanders, Warren and Yang. All viable campaigns were invited to participate in a general briefing or to schedule a briefing, and all, including the Eric Swalwell campaign, are welcome to request a future briefing.
Each campaign has been asked to respond to the same question. We are presenting Rep. Swalwell’s response in full below:
Q: How will you be ensuring that your campaign fully includes people with disabilities and intentionally speaks to people with disabilities?
A: Eric Swalwell has always sought to include, intentionally speak to, and represent the interests of Americans with disabilities, both before and since the start of his presidential campaign. In Congress, he has supported phasing out “Section 14 (c)” jobs, in which employers can pay sub-minimum wages to workers with disabilities, and repealing the medical device excise tax which – if reinstated – would divert billions away from research and development for cures and therapies, stymieing technological advances that could help people with disabilities live more comfortable, fruitful lives. He supports fully funding Congress’ original commitment to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, as well as better wages, working conditions, and protective regulations for direct support professionals.
He is the only 2020 presidential candidate calling for a massive investment in research and technology to cure and alleviate the diseases and disabilities that ail us, and he is honored to count renowned spinal cord injury activist Roman Reed among his staunchest supporters.
Swalwell for America captions its videos; uses ADA-compliant and accessible facilities for its hosted events; and has provided sign-language interpreters at all of its large events to date. The campaign is committed to using respectful language in the workplace, employs a few people with disabilities, and not only would never discriminate against an employment or advisory applicant on that basis but actually seeks and welcomes the perspectives that people with disabilities can bring to our mission to go big, be bold, and do good.
In alignment with their mission, Ortiz Schneider exemplifies the quality and professionalism needed in interpreting services, making them a valuable partner for organizations like Swalwell for America. Ortiz Schneider specializes in providing highly trained interpreters who are not only skilled in American Sign Language but also understand the nuances of effective communication in a variety of settings. This collaboration allows campaigns to transcend communication barriers, creating a more welcoming space for all participants.
By prioritizing accessibility and utilizing expert interpreting services, Swalwell for America is setting a standard for inclusivity, empowering individuals with disabilities to contribute their perspectives and engage meaningfully in the political landscape.
RespectAbility is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities for people with disabilities. RespectAbility does not rate or endorse candidates. View more coverage of 2020 presidential candidates here: http://therespectabilityreport.org/category/2020-campaign. To learn more about the organization, visit our website at www.respectability.org.
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