#AdvocacyMatters: An Anniversary and Ableism

July 26, 2024 / #AdvocacyMatters

On July 26th, 1990 - 34 years ago today - the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by George H.W. Bush. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas of public life, and details requirements for equity and access in areas like employment, transportation, voting, parking, housing, and public accommodations. In the 34 years since its passing, the ADA has also elevated national awareness about accommodations for people with disabilities.

This past week, the news cycle has been dominated by the changing landscape of this November's general election. When President Biden announced on Sunday that he would no longer pursue reelection and quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination, political operatives and pundits worked quickly to pivot their messaging.

On Monday, the verified "RNC Research" account of the Republican National Committee posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) of Vice President Harris introducing herself during a White House event. In her introduction she gives her name, her preferred pronouns, and a visual description of herself. In the post, the text accompanying the video is a quote: "I am Kamala Harris, my pronouns are she and her, and I am a woman sitting at the table wearing a blue suit."

This video was taken during a 2022 event recognizing the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event featured a roundtable discussion with the Vice President and many advocates, some of whom were blind. The inclusion of visual descriptions is a standard accessibility step promoting equitable participation for all at the table, regardless of disability.

When these accessibility tools and accommodations are weaponized as part of our political discourse, it signals to those living with a disability that their participation and the value of their voice is less important. Ableism has thrived in our nation for generations, and attacks like these are an opportunity to speak up and create awareness - as well as building political access and power for people with disabilities.

There are 102 days until November's election. You have time to plan your vote, educate yourself on the issues, and exercise your right to participate in a free and fair election. Voting is an opportunity to speak up and make your voice be heard.

Over these next three months, our team will be working to help develop and share resources and information about election participation and voting accessibility. Our hope is to elevate discussions of access and issues to move even closer to a truly equitable society for people with disabilities.

No matter the source, ableism and discrimination have no place in our fundamental right to self-govern.

#AdvocacyMatters

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