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Category: 2018 Candidate Questionnaire

With 67.8% of Floridians with Disabilities Out of Work, Gillum Discusses Job ProspectsGillum wearing a black suit, white top and black tie in front of red curtain

With 67.8% of Floridians with Disabilities Out of Work, Gillum Discusses Job Prospects

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 25, 2018

Tallahassee, Florida, Oct. 25 – With 67.8 percent of Florida’s 1,255,268 working-age people with disabilities out of work, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for governor, has issued an official response to a questionnaire by the disabilities advocacy group RespectAbility, outlining his views on training and hiring people with disabilities.

Although Gillum failed to answer the 10 questions submitted by the organization, he responded with a formal statement asserting that “Floridians with disabilities deserve the same rights afforded to all Floridians.”

“Most importantly, they must be given the ability to live independently within their chosen communities, and the opportunity to seek out and achieve their dreams and desires. Government plays an important role in supporting and ensuring this fundamental right. We must do a better job in this regard.”

He continued, “There are specific steps we can take to make our state a better place for people with disabilities. First, we must get a handle on the waiting list for services within the Home and Community Based Waiver. Too many Floridians have been denied critical services due to a lack of political will. This program is a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens and their desire to live productive lives. The same can also be said for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). APD is filled with some of the most dedicated and hard-working public servants in the State of Florida and I look forward to giving them the necessary tools and funding to carry out their important mission.”

“Our nation was founded on the principle that anyone who works hard should be able to get ahead in life,” said RespectAbility’s president, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi. “People with disabilities deserve equal opportunity to earn an income and achieve independence just like anyone else.”

RespectAbility also reached out repeatedly to Gillum’s opponent, former Republican Congressman Ron DeSantis, but received no response to the questionnaire from him, according to Mizrahi.

The full text of Mayor Gillum’s statement follows:

Continue readingWith 67.8% of Floridians with Disabilities Out of Work, Gillum Discusses Job Prospects
With 64.1% of Delawareans with Disabilities Out of Work, Arlett Discusses Job ProspectsRobert Arlett and three other people smiling together

With 64.1% of Delawareans with Disabilities Out of Work, Arlett Discusses Job Prospects

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 25, 2018

Dover, Delaware, Oct. 25 –With 64.1 percent of Delaware’s 56,546 working-age people with disabilities out of work, Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Arlett responded to a questionnaire by the disabilities advocacy group RespectAbility, outlining his views on training and hiring people with disabilities.

In his responses to six questions submitted by the organization, Arlett noted that one of his key staff members is “high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome.”

“This individual is in charge of scheduling my events statewide, compiling press releases and doing policy work for questionnaires such as this one,” Arlett said. “This same individual was displaced from employment at the end of 2017 (unrelated to diagnosis) and this assignment has helped me tremendously over the past six months for this campaign.”

“One of the reasons why I am running is to give more people who want to work and can, the opportunity to thrive.”

“Our nation was founded on the principle that anyone who works hard should be able to get ahead in life,” said RespectAbility’s President, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi. “People with disabilities deserve equal opportunity to earn an income and achieve independence just like anyone else.”

RespectAbility also reached out repeatedly to Arlett’s opponent, incumbent Democratic Sen. Tom Carper, but received no response to the questionnaire from him, according to Mizrahi.

The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Arlett’s responses follows:

Continue readingWith 64.1% of Delawareans with Disabilities Out of Work, Arlett Discusses Job Prospects
Jessica Ramos Completes NYC Disabilities QuestionnaireJessica Ramos in front of a blurred crowd of people

Jessica Ramos Completes NYC Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 23, 2018

New York City, Oct. 23 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Jessica Ramos, who is running for New York State Senate District 13, outlined her views on education, employment and stigma for the 948,000 people with disabilities living in New York City. That includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters 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’ thoughts on certain issues.

“Candidates for office ignore the disability community at their peril,” said former U.S. Representative and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett. Bartlett, who was a primary author of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, is the chairman of RespectAbility.

RespectAbility reached out to Ramos’ opponent, incumbent Jose Peralta, as well, but received no response, according to the organization’s President, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi.

RespectAbility is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Ramos’ replies follows:

Continue readingJessica Ramos Completes NYC Disabilities Questionnaire
Richard Gottfried Responds to NYC Disabilities QuestionnaireRichard N Gottfried sitting at a table

Richard Gottfried Responds to NYC Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 23, 2018

New York City, Oct. 23 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Richard Gottfried, who is running for re-election to New York State Assembly District 75, outlined his views on home health care and the Early Intervention program for the 948,000 people with disabilities living in New York City. That number includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters 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’ thoughts on certain issues.

“Candidates for office ignore the disability community at their peril,” said former U.S. Representative and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett. Bartlett, who was a primary author of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, is the chairman of RespectAbility.

Gottfried faces no major party opposition in the general election for New York State Assembly District 75 on November 6, 2018.

RespectAbility is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

While Gottfried did not answer each question, he submitted a statement in response. Gottfried’s full statement follows:

Continue readingRichard Gottfried Responds to NYC Disabilities Questionnaire
Gillum Responds to Disabilities QuestionnaireGillum wearing a black suit, white top and black tie in front of red curtain

Gillum Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 22, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 22 – Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Gillum responded today to RespectAbility’s #PwDsVote Questionnaire for the 2018 Midterm Elections. The current Tallahassee Mayor outlined his plan to improve state services for the 2,785,900 Floridians with disabilities by addressing issues such as long waiting lists for the Home and…

Continue readingGillum Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire
Baron Bruno Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities QuestionnaireBaron Bruno and Gary Johnson posing together in a backyard.

Baron Bruno Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 21, 2018

Los Angeles, California, Oct. 21 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Baron Bruno, who is running for Senate District 26, outlined his views on education, employment and stigma for the 987,522 people with disabilities in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. That includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters 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’ thoughts on certain issues.

“Candidates for office ignore the disability community at their peril,” said former U.S. Representative and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett. Bartlett, who was a primary author of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, is the chairman of RespectAbility.

RespectAbility reached out to Bruno’s opponent, incumbent Ben Allen, as well, but received no response, according to the organization’s President, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi.

RespectAbility is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Bruno’s replies follows:

Continue readingBaron Bruno Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire
Brown Responds to Disabilities QuestionnaireSherrod Brown at a campaign event speaking at a podium with supporters holding signs behind him

Brown Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown outlines his views on training and hiring the 807,700 working-age people with disabilities in Ohio, who have an unemployment rate of 64.3 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters…

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Hubbell Responds to Disabilities QuestionnaireFred Hubbell shakes hands with supporters in a park

Hubbell Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Iowa Democratic nominee for governor Fred Hubbell outlined his views on training and hiring the 175,300 working-age people with disabilities in Iowa, who have an unemployment rate of 54.2 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of…

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Casey Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireBob Casey speaking in front of a blurred background

Casey Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. outlined his views on training and hiring the 889,200 working-age people with disabilities in Pennsylvania, who have an unemployment rate of 64.8 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely…

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Warren Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireElizabeth Warren speaking in front of the National Press Club backdrop

Warren Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren outlined her views on training and hiring the 371,800 working-age people with disabilities in Massachusetts, who have an unemployment rate of 61.1 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters have…

Continue readingWarren Completes Disabilities Questionnaire
Schuette Responds to Disabilities QuestionnaireBill Schuette speaking into a microphone

Schuette Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Michigan attorney general Bill Schuette outlined his views on training and hiring the 738,700 working-age people with disabilities in Michigan, who have an unemployment rate of 66.4 percent. Schuette is the Republican nominee for Michigan Governor.…

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Curtis Responds to Disabilities QuestionnaireRon Curtis poses with three dogs in front of some trees

Curtis Responds to Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Republican nominee for Senate Ron Curtis outlined his views on training and hiring the 65,700 working-age people with disabilities in Hawaii, who have an unemployment rate of 59.5 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely…

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Polis Completes Disabilities QuestionnairePhoto of Jared Polis in front of a blurred green background
Heller Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireSen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. speaks during the grand opening of the 15-mile stretch of Interstate 11 bypassing Boulder City on Thursday, Aug. 9, 1018. (Jeff Scheid/The Nevada Independent)

Heller Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Zack Tamimi on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller outlined his views on training and hiring the 193,100 working-age people with disabilities in Nevada, who have an unemployment rate of 57.4 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters…

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Cardin Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireBen Cardin speaking in front of a gray background

Cardin Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Rockville, Maryland, Oct. 17  – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin outlined his views on training and hiring the 321,00 working-age people with disabilities in Maryland, who have an unemployment rate of 57.8 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters…

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Ige Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireDavid Ige meeting with a supporter

Ige Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Zack Tamimi on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Hawaii’s Democratic Gov. David Ige outlined his views on training and hiring the 65,700 working-age people with disabilities in Hawaii, who have an unemployment rate of 59.5 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters…

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Walker Completes Disabilities QuestionnaireBill Walker sitting behind his desk

Walker Completes Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Emma Content on October 17, 2018

Washington, D.C., Oct. 17 – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Alaska Independent Gov. Bill Walker outlined his views on training and hiring the 54,500 working-age people with disabilities in Alaska, who have an unemployment rate of 49.6 percent. According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters have…

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Anthony Rendon Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities QuestionnaireAnthony Rendon headshot

Anthony Rendon Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 16, 2018

Los Angeles, California, Oct. 16  – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Speaker of the California State Assembly Anthony Rendon, who is running for re-election to Assembly District 63, outlined his views on education, employment and stigma for the 987,522 people with disabilities in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. That includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters 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’ thoughts on certain issues.

“Candidates for office ignore the disability community at their peril,” said former U.S. Representative and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett. Bartlett, who was a primary author of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, is the chairman of RespectAbility.

RespectAbility reached out to Rendon’s opponent, Maria Estrada, as well, but received no response, according to the organization’s President, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi.

RespectAbility is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Rendon’s replies follows:

Continue readingAnthony Rendon Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire

Matt Munson Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire

Published by Lauren Appelbaum on October 16, 2018

Los Angeles, California, Oct. 16  – Responding today to a questionnaire by the disability advocacy group RespectAbility, Matt Munson, who is running for Senate District 20, outlined his views on education, employment and stigma for the 987,522 people with disabilities in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. That includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters 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’ thoughts on certain issues.

“Candidates for office ignore the disability community at their peril,” said former U.S. Representative and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett. Bartlett, who was a primary author of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, is the chairman of RespectAbility.

RespectAbility reached out to Munson’s opponent, incumbent Connie M. Leyva, as well, but received no response, according to the organization’s President, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi.

RespectAbility is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is purely for educational purposes.

The full text of RespectAbility’s questions and Munson’s replies follows:

Continue readingMatt Munson Completes Los Angeles-Area Disabilities Questionnaire
2018 #PwDsVote Disability Questionnaire for New York City CandidatesYoung girl holding small block letters: Vote

2018 #PwDsVote Disability Questionnaire for New York City Candidates

Published by Eric Ascher on October 15, 2018

Questions Focus on Issues Relating to Education, Employment and Stigma

According to a recent survey, 74 percent of likely voters have a disability themselves or have a family member or a close friend with disabilities. Currently, there are 948,000 people with disabilities living in New York City. That includes people who are blind or deaf or have other visible conditions such as spinal cord injuries, as well as people with invisible disabilities including learning disabilities, mental health or Autism.

RespectAbility, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that fights stigmas and advances opportunities for people with disabilities, is asking candidates to answer five key questions that impact the close to one-million people with disabilities in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. All responses in full will be reported in The RespectAbility Report, a nonpartisan political commentary on U.S. elections with a focus on disability issues and used in our New York City Disability Voter Guide. The RespectAbility Report is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The questionnaire is for educational purposes.

Below are the questions for all NYC area candidates. Please limit each answer to no more than 250 words.

Continue reading2018 #PwDsVote Disability Questionnaire for New York City Candidates