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Category: 2020 Campaign

Voter Guide for 373,391 Nevadans with DisabilitiesNevada state flag

Voter Guide for 373,391 Nevadans with Disabilities

Published by Philip Pauli on February 19, 2020

Nevada Ranks 9th in the Country on Jobs for People with Disabilities

Reno, NV, Feb. 19 – In the run up to the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucus, the nonpartisan disability organization RespectAbility has released its Nevada State Voter Guide. 

According to the recently released 2019 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium, the total number of Nevadans with disabilities is 373,391 and they make up 12.5 percent of the total population. Research conducted in the 2018 election shows that 74 percent of likely voters either have a disability themselves or have a family member or a close friend with disabilities. The upcoming elections and their results will have an impact on people with disabilities, so it is important to become familiar with the candidates’ positions on certain issues.

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Voter Guide for 171,000 New Hampshirites with DisabilitiesState flag of New Hampshire

Voter Guide for 171,000 New Hampshirites with Disabilities

Published by Lauren Gilbert on February 10, 2020

Guide Highlights Presidential Candidates’ Responses to 2020 Disability Candidate Questionnaire

Manchester, New Hampshire, Feb. 10 – As New Hampshire voters get ready to go to the polls in their state’s primary election, the nonpartisan disability rights nonprofit RespectAbility has released its New Hampshire State Voter Guide. According to the 2018 Annual Disability Statistics Compendium, there are more than 171,000 people with disabilities in New Hampshire. There is no early voting in New Hampshire’s presidential primaries. However, absentee ballots can be requested until the day before the election (February 10, 2020) and must be received by the day of the election (February 11, 2020) at 5:00 PM. This is a useful option for people with disabilities whose disability keeps them from voting in person. Voters with disabilities also can have an election judge or a person of their choice assist them with voting in person, as long as that person is not the individual’s employer, union representative, or a candidate running for office.

Research conducted in the 2018 election shows that 74 percent of likely voters either have a disability themselves or have a family member or a close friend with disabilities. The upcoming elections and their results will have an impact on people with disabilities, so it is important to become familiar with the candidates’ positions on certain issues.

Continue readingVoter Guide for 171,000 New Hampshirites with Disabilities
Presidential Candidates, Disability Benefits & Jobsa diverse group of RespectAbility Fellows looking at a document on a table

Presidential Candidates, Disability Benefits & Jobs

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on February 2, 2020

Washington, D.C., Feb. 2 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. 

Question 11 in the Questionnaire was: “The federal law and benefits system punish people who want to work or whose families want to help them. For example, currently people with disabilities who are on SSI are prohibited of having more than $2,000 liquid assets at any one time. Furthermore, current law limits parents and grandparents to helping their children financially who acquired their disability prior to age 26 but not if they acquire a disability after age 26. What will you do to ensure that people have more options than being forced to choose between access to supports, benefits and service or the opportunity to pursue work, careers and an income?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Preventing Attacks on People with DisabilitiesYellow tape that says "Crime Scene Do Not Cross"

Presidential Candidates & Preventing Attacks on People with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on February 2, 2020

Washington, D.C., Feb. 2 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 6 in the Questionnaire was: “People with disabilities are twice as likely to be victims of crime as those without disabilities. This includes the fact that both children and adults with disabilities are more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault. How would you address these issues?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Days Before the Iowa Caucus, Sanders Unveils New “Fighting for Disability Rights Plan”Bernie Sanders speaking into a microphone behind a podium with supporters surrounding him

Days Before the Iowa Caucus, Sanders Unveils New “Fighting for Disability Rights Plan”

Published by Philip Pauli on February 1, 2020

The Vermont Senator pledges to “incorporate disability issues into every other area of public policy.”  

Washington, D.C., Feb. 1 – With just days to go before the Iowa Caucus, Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders released his own comprehensive disability policy plan. Much like that of fellow progressive candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Sanders’ plan covers the broadest possible spectrum of disability issues including “housing, health care, education, transportation, technology and many others.” If elected, Sen. Sanders commits to “incorporate disability issues into every other area of public policy” and “to promote access, autonomy, inclusion and self-determination for all.” 

Continue readingDays Before the Iowa Caucus, Sanders Unveils New “Fighting for Disability Rights Plan”
Presidential Candidates & VeteransA disabled veteran in a wheelchair participates in the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Presidential Candidates & Veterans

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on February 1, 2020

Washington, D.C., Feb. 1 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 13 in the Questionnaire was: “What are your plans to ensure that the bureaucracy of the Veterans Administration supports and serves veterans with disabilities? What is your plan to support veterans with disabilities, especially female veterans with disabilities?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Housing for People with DisabilitiesA one story accessible house

Presidential Candidates & Housing for People with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on February 1, 2020

Washington, D.C., Feb. 1 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 10 in the Questionnaire was: “What are your thoughts on ensuring that people with disabilities have the option to live in their homes instead of institutions and still have the community attendant supports they need to live? Do you have a plan for affordable housing and to reduce homelessness for people with disabilities?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Access to Healthcare and JobsA stethoscope on a table next to an iPhone

Presidential Candidates & Access to Healthcare and Jobs

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 31, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 31 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 9 in the Questionnaire was: “How would you ensure that people with disabilities have access to healthcare and the benefits they need while enabling them with opportunities to work to the best of their capacities without losing the supports they need to live? This relates to private healthcare as well as SSI, SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid.”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Including People with Disabilities in their CampaignsRed and blue gradient background. Two people using a computer together, one of whom is a wheelchair user.

Presidential Candidates & Including People with Disabilities in their Campaigns

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 31, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 30 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 15 in the Questionnaire was: “Are your office, website and events accessible to people with disabilities? Have you identified a process for including people with disabilities in your staff and policy advisors? If yes, please describe.”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Advancing Assistive Technology for People with DisabilitiesAccessibility Symbols and the seal of the President of the United States

Presidential Candidates & Advancing Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 30, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 30 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 12 in the Questionnaire was: “How would you advance innovations (i.e., assistive technologies, devices) that can help people with disabilities become more successfully employed, productive and independent?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Education for Students with DisabilitiesA young woman with a disability smiling in front of a school bus.

Presidential Candidates & Education for Students with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 30, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 30 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 4 in the Questionnaire was: “The jobs of the future will largely require post-secondary education or other credentials. Today 65 percent of students with disabilities complete high school. What policies do you advocate to support the academic and career success of students with disabilities, especially for students from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates & Criminal Justice Reform for People with DisabilitiesA wooden hammer resting on a small wooden platform

Presidential Candidates & Criminal Justice Reform for People with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 29, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 29 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability…

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Presidential Candidates Court Voters with Disabilities With Plans to Reduce StigmasSix diverse people with disabilities smile together inside of a hallway

Presidential Candidates Court Voters with Disabilities With Plans to Reduce Stigmas

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 29, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 29 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability…

Continue readingPresidential Candidates Court Voters with Disabilities With Plans to Reduce Stigmas
Presidential Candidates Reveal Climate Plans for People with DisabilitiesClimate change activist Greta Thunberg, who is on the autism spectrum

Presidential Candidates Reveal Climate Plans for People with Disabilities

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 29, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 29 – As a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities so people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community, RespectAbility has invited all candidates in the presidential race on both sides of the aisle to submit their answers to a 2020 Disability Voter Candidate Questionnaire. Question 14 in the Questionnaire was: “People with disabilities are at extreme risk from climate change. What are your plans to reduce the climate crisis and to create emergency solutions for people with disabilities when disasters strike?”

Below, read the answers from the five candidates who responded:

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Presidential Candidates Reveal Plans to Enable Success for Immigrants with DisabilitiesThe United States Supreme Court building and steps.

Presidential Candidates Reveal Plans to Enable Success for Immigrants with Disabilities

Published by Eric Ascher on January 28, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 28 – Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a major 5-4 ruling allowing an expansion of the definition of “public charge” to deny green cards to people who may need government aid. This ruling will directly impact immigrants with disabilities who would qualify for Medicaid. Meanwhile, with only days…

Continue readingPresidential Candidates Reveal Plans to Enable Success for Immigrants with Disabilities
Presidential Candidates Court Voters with Disabilities With Youth Employment StrategiesFive people with disabilities sitting around a picnic table having a conversation

Presidential Candidates Court Voters with Disabilities With Youth Employment Strategies

Published by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi on January 28, 2020

Washington, D.C., Jan 28 – With only days before the Iowa Caucus, presidential candidates are reaching out to voters with disabilities and their loved ones with specific plans for youth employment. According to the CDC, approximately one-in-four adults living in the community have a disability. Research conducted in the 2018 election shows…

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Early Voting Begins: A Voter Guide for Californians with DisabilitiesCalifornia Flag

Early Voting Begins: A Voter Guide for Californians with Disabilities

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on January 27, 2020

First Edition of California Voting Guide Highlights Presidential Candidates’ Responses to 2020 Disability Candidate Questionnaire 

Los Angeles, Jan. 27 – As Californians with and without disabilities get ready to go to the polls to vote in their state’s primary election, a disability rights nonprofit has released its California State Voter Guide. While primary election day in California is on March 3, 2020, early voting begins weeks before in many localities across the Golden State. Early voting gives voters with and without disabilities the flexibility and choice to their ballots long before primary day. 

Research conducted in the 2018 election shows that 74 percent of likely voters either have a disability themselves or have a family member or a close friend with disabilities. The upcoming elections and their results will have an impact on people with disabilities, so it is important to become familiar with the candidates’ positions on certain issues.

Continue readingEarly Voting Begins: A Voter Guide for Californians with Disabilities
A Voter Guide for Iowans with Disabilities

A Voter Guide for Iowans with Disabilities

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on January 24, 2020

First Edition of Iowa Voting Guide Highlights Presidential Candidates’ Responses to 2020 Disability Candidate Questionnaire 

Des Moines, Jan. 24 – As Iowans with and without disabilities get ready to caucus in their state’s primary election, a disability rights nonprofit has released its Iowa State Voter Guide. Research conducted in the 2018 election shows that 74 percent of likely voters either have a disability themselves or have a family member or a close friend with disabilities. The upcoming elections and their results will have an impact on people with disabilities, so it is important to become familiar with the candidates’ positions on certain issues.

Continue readingA Voter Guide for Iowans with Disabilities
DNC Chair Perez Calls for More Inclusion of People with DisabilitiesTom Perez speaks on stage prior to the Politico/PBS NewsHour Democratic Primary Debate

DNC Chair Perez Calls for More Inclusion of People with Disabilities

Published by Eric Ascher on January 20, 2020

Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 20 – The majority of Americans either have a disability or a loved one with a disability. Yet, disability is very rarely addressed on the debate stage. 

Democratic National Committee Chair Chairman Tom Perez spoke to RespectAbility prior to last week’s debate about the importance of including people with disabilities. He touted his work on ensuring that people with disabilities can live in the community and that employers provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

“We got to stop focusing on the first three letters of the word disability and focus more on the last seven letters of the word disability and you will see that in our platform,” Perez added. “You will see that in everything we do. You will see that in Milwaukee, the most accessible convention ever.”

Continue readingDNC Chair Perez Calls for More Inclusion of People with Disabilities
Yang: “Need to do Much More to Help People with Disabilities Access Opportunities and Jobs”Yang smiles as he's surrounded by supporters

Yang: “Need to do Much More to Help People with Disabilities Access Opportunities and Jobs”

Published by Eric Ascher on January 19, 2020

Ames, Iowa, Jan. 19 – Businessman Andrew Yang talked about employment opportunities for people with disabilities at a town hall earlier this week. While saying “much more” needs to done to ensure people with disabilities have access to opportunities and jobs, he also repeated a talking point that people with disabilities – and all people – have value regardless if they are working. 

“Do we need to put much more in the way of resources to help people actually see the abilities of people who have different capacities and then have them enjoy that kind of independence and work? 100% yes,” Yang, who has a child on the autism spectrum, said at a town hall in Ames, Iowa. “But does that need to be the standard that people are at in order to live a good fulfilling happy life? No. It’s like — we should be investing in everyone’s happiness and fulfillment regardless of whether or not they can slot into a corporate role.”

Continue readingYang: “Need to do Much More to Help People with Disabilities Access Opportunities and Jobs”