[1]Letitia James for New York[2]Letitia James for New York
36 years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into
law.
And it happened because disabled Americans left their wheelchairs and
crutches and crawled up the stone steps of the Capitol to demand that
Congress take their priorities seriously.
83 long steps.
They made sure the people in power couldn’t look away. And it was because
of their dedication and tenacity that they won.
Now, over 44 million disabled Americans are protected under the ADA.
That’s what I think about on this day. The courage it takes to demand that
powerful people see you, and refuse to accept that your rights are anyone
else's to grant or withhold.
36 years later, that fight is far from over.
Right now, this administration is forcing those who are battling chronic
illnesses, living with disabilities, and managing mental health conditions
through endless red tape just to keep their healthcare coverage.
I refuse to let those attacks stand. I’ve always fought for disabled New
Yorkers — that will never change.
As Public Advocate, I partnered with the Center for Independence of the
Disabled in New York to expose and fix accessibility failures at city
polling sites that blocked disabled voters from participating in our
democracy. And in this office, I recovered over $5M from a nonprofit that
cheated adults with developmental disabilities out of the care they were
owed.
Because the ADA was never just a law. It was a declaration that disabled
Americans belong here — in our workplaces, our schools, our communities,
and our democracy. Fully, and without apology.
I carry that declaration into this office with me every single day. And I
will never stop defending it.
[ [link removed] ]If you’re with me, will you pitch in $3 or whatever you
can today to help me keep standing up for the rights and dignity of
disabled New Yorkers?
[ [link removed] ]Donate $3 ››
Thank you,
Letitia James
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