Happy Disability Pride Month

     July is National Disability Pride Month! This month, I recognize the millions of Americans who live with a disability, whether physical or mental, and celebrate their strength and resilience. In the United States, over 40 million people live with a disability. 

     Living with a disability can impact a person’s everyday life, ability to work, and social capacity. I am proud to support legislation and organizations that help people with disabilities.  

     We live in a nation that already has some key federal protections in place, including the milestone American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, government, public areas, commercial facilities, transportation, and communication

     These protections were strengthened by later laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires that public schools provide children with disabilities with the best possible environment to learn. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing (renting, buying, selling, construction, etc.) based on many factors including disability.

     But there is much more to be done, which is why I strongly support the need for additional measures, including several bills currently pending before the Congress such as:

• H.R. 3470 - Keeping All Students Safe Act
  o   Would protect students from dangerous restraint and seclusion discipline practices in schools, which disproportionately impact students with disabilities
  o   Would require training for school personnel as well as increased transparency and oversight of implementation
• H.R. 1263 - Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act
  o   Would award grants to aid business models in supporting disabled people, helping them to be better able to find and retain work
  o   Would phase out subminimum wage certificates for people with disabilities
  o   Would provide assistance to employers transitioning to competitive integrated employment

     As the top Democrat of the House Appropriations Committee, I spoke out against Section 722 of the proposed House 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) funding Bill, which would block the FDA’s proposed ban on electric skin shock devices. I noted how barbaric this provision was by allowing the continued use of an inhumane electrical shock device despite the well-documented dangers and cruelty of this practice, which is disproportionately used to abuse people with disabilities. You can read my full remarks at the Full Committee Markup here. 

     I ultimately voted against this bill, although it did get enough Republican votes to pass in the House Appropriations Committee. Please know that I will continue to fight to ensure this provision is never enacted into law.

     When I served as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to secure $20 million for the U.S. Agency for International Development disability programs in the 2023 spending law. These programs support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities, through community-based services. I will work to provide dedicated funding for people with disabilities and continue to fight for the rights, respect, and dignity of those with disabilities.

     On a state level, I am also proud that a multitude of laws addressing disability rights have gone into effect in Connecticut over the past year. From the heightened review of Individualized Education Programs to increased affordable housing that is accessible to people with disabilities, our state has implemented laws that further equal opportunities for all, which I hope to continue on a federal level. To read an overview of the Disability Services offered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, click here.

     People with disabilities deserve to experience a meaningful life without prejudice. Since coming to Congress, I have continuously advocated for people living with a disability. This month I am honored to repledge my support for helping our country’s disabled people.

                                                                                                         Sincerely,