ASAN June Update

Dear friends,

In this summer of change, we want to voice our support for the ongoing protests against police violence. For many Black people with disabilities, including Black autistic people, police violence is an ever-present threat; our work to create a better world for all disabled people must include working to end police violence and the systemic racism that enables it.

This month, ASAN released “What is Police Violence?”our plain-language resource on anti-Black racism, police violence, and their effect on our communities. We are also supporting the Justice in Policing Act, which would end qualified immunity and increase police accountability, and advocating for changes to make it stronger

We’ve also continued our work on issues regarding our right to medical care. This is especially urgent as new attacks crop up against people with disabilities in the middle of a pandemic. We’ve fought back by opposing unjust changes to ACA regulations, and by joining the ACLU and partners in calling for action to address COVID-19 infections and deaths in congregate settings. 

Finally, we’re happy to be able to report some good news: after ASAN & partner organizations filed a civil rights complaint about Tennessee’s COVID-19 plan, which would have discriminated against people with disabilities in rationing medical care, the Tennessee government revised its plan to comply with disability rights laws and combat discrimination. The changes that Tennessee made will serve as a precedent for other states. Disabled people deserve equal access to medical care, now and always, and this victory brings us closer to achieving that.

As we prepare to mark the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are reminded that, when we advocate together, we can change policy — and people’s lives — for the better. We’re honored to advocate alongside you, and we wish you all the best this summer.

Sincerely,

Zoe Gross

Director of Operations

P.S. Don’t forget that you can help your community by taking the Census. There’s still time to #GetCounted! Read up on why the census matters to people with disabilities here.