Hey John,

During this Paralympic Games, like every other before, Team USA made our country proud and North Texas was well represented. With 4,403 individuals competing in total, there was no shortage of fierce competition, and still American athletes managed to win the third most medals of any country. As a former NFL player, I know the grit and dedication professional sports demand, so I could not be more excited to congratulate Team USA on their achievements - especially the 10 Paralympians from Texas.

I also wanted to reach out to discuss the historic first at this year’s games: It was the first in which Olympians and Paralympians were paid the same. For years, disabled athletes have put in the same grueling hours and efforts as their counterparts and received less compensation. This change is long overdue, but I am glad that the international community took the necessary steps to right this wrong.

Now, it’s time for America to do the same. Pay discrimination is one of the many barriers Americans with disabilities face. These barriers result in disabled Americans experiencing poverty and unemployment at twice the rates as their counterparts.

In Congress, I have used my experiences as a civil rights lawyer to fight for workplace protections for people with disabilities. As the Paralympic Games show us once again, there are no excuses for exclusion. I hope you will join me in fighting for spaces to be made more accessible, whether at the national level or in your communities every day.

Thank you,

Colin Allred

If you are interested in contributing to my campaign to keep me fighting for the people in Congress, please chip in now.