Caring Across Generations

A few weeks ago, we sent an email about our friend Engracia, whose wheelchair was destroyed by United Airlines on her way home from a Caring Across, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network, and NDWA event in Washington, DC. I'm delighted to let you know that, thanks to the support of Caring Across members like you, United has agreed to replace Engracia's wheelchair, like we asked!

Thousands of Caring Across and Hand-in-Hand supporters signed a petition to United and asked them to do the right thing for Engracia. We helped her tell her story to the media and to elected officials. And eventually, the attention forced United's hand.

People with disabilities shouldn't need to go to such lengths to be taken seriously. But until companies do the right thing on their own, we'll be fighting to keep them honest.

Please read Engracia's thank you note below. And if you want to help make more victories like this possible in the future, you can make a contribution today.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Engracia Figueroa, for Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network
Subject: Victory! We Made United Pay

Dear Friend,

Just over a month ago, I reached out asking for your support after United Airlines destroyed my custom wheelchair on my flight back from Washington DC, where I went to speak with fellow Hand in Hand members as part of the Care is Essential day of action.

As if losing my wheelchair, the lifeline to my independence, wasn’t enough, I sustained physical injuries from the incident as well— from sitting for hours at the airport in a broken manual wheelchair and for a month in a loaner wheelchair that were both unfit to support my body. I was hospitalized as a result of those injuries, and continue to be in physical pain.

It has been a difficult time to say the least. But one bright spot has been the incredible outpouring of support I received from the Hand in Hand community, Caring Across Generations, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and other allied organizations and individuals. Thank you all.

Through our collective efforts our story was picked up by ABC news, our petition gained thousands of signatures, and we flooded United CEO Scott Kirby’s inbox with emails demanding that my chair be replaced. We also met with Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office who provided additional support. Thank you to everyone who spoke out during this campaign.

And today I’m pleased to announce that United finally agreed to replace my $30,000 chair. TOGETHER WE MADE UNITED PAY.

As I continue to heal from this process, I am grateful to be in this community with you all. It is truly a community of care.

I look forward to regaining my strength and energy to fight alongside you for a more just world, where care jobs are good jobs, and where everyone can afford to receive the care and support they need.

Yours in gratitude,

Engracia Figueroa

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