The Power of Words: Trump's Harsh Views vs. Biden's Compassion

A disabled parking logo is depicted with blood dripping down, symbolizing the erroneous belief that disabled people should die. The scene is a dark and eerie, with the surrounding environment having a grim and foreboding atmosphere, including dark, leafless trees and a misty background.

I can’t stop thinking about President Biden’s address to the nation last night—his first since deciding to exit the 2024 race. His speech was filled with humanity and a focus on inclusion, qualities that starkly contrast with sentiments expressed by Donald Trump, as revealed in a recent TIME Magazine article by Fred Trump III.

Biden’s words from the Oval Office were profound: “We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies but as fellow Americans.” This message of unity and respect is essential, especially as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA, passed under the George H.W. Bush administration, is more contested than ever in today’s political climate. I’m not sure it would pass Congress in 2024.

Contrast this with the shocking statements from Donald Trump, as recounted by his nephew Fred Trump III. Fred’s article reveals a chilling disregard for disabled people. President Trump reportedly said at the height of COVID-19, “The shape they’re in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die,” in reference to his own blood. These words are not just hurtful; they are a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in fighting for the rights and dignity of all Americans.

Biden’s commitment to disability rights has been evident throughout his administration. His support for updates to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is a critical step forward. “The federal government has an obligation to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities, including its websites and technology,” said Senator Bob Casey, co-sponsor of the proposed updates. This legislation aims to make federal technology accessible to all Americans, ensuring that no one is left behind.

I use a wheelchair. I handle a service dog. I leverage assistive technology to navigate the web due to my visual impairment. These updates are not just necessary; they are vital. It’s not just about physical barriers; it’s about breaking down attitudinal ones as well.

Biden’s words remind us that we are all in this together: “We are a great nation because we are a good people...The power’s in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands. You just have to keep faith.” In contrast, Trump’s comments reflect a divisiveness that undermines the progress we’ve made and the values we stand for.

As we approach this significant anniversary of the ADA, let’s remember the work that still needs to be done. Let’s continue to fight for a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities and resources. When given the respect and dignity we deserve, we not only thrive, we persevere. The only thing that needs to die is ableism.

My Uncle Donald Trump Told Me Disabled Americans Like My Son ‘Should Just Die’

The ADA and Beyond: The Ongoing Fight for Workplace Inclusion

A wheelchair user seen from behind moves through her workplace.

Today, it's time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of disabled individuals in the workplace. As a disability advocate, I've seen firsthand the barriers that disabled individuals face in their professional lives. But I've also witnessed the resilience, creativity, and determination that they bring to the table.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant milestone, but 33 years later, we're still grappling with the complexities of 'reasonable accommodations' and the stigma associated with disclosing a disability. As my friend Emily Ladau recently told CNBC, "Even though workplaces can focus on creating a culture of inclusion, there's that internal barrier that people still struggle with, because the world is telling them that disability is shameful, that disability is wrong, that their existence is somehow a mistake."

This narrative is not only harmful but also fundamentally untrue. Disability is not a mistake or a weakness; it's a part of our identity that shapes our experiences and perspectives. It's time to shift this narrative and embrace disability as a strength.

Research shows that when employees with disabilities are given the opportunity to educate and connect with their co-workers, the number of people who disclose a disability and request accommodations increases. This is a testament to the power of open dialogue and the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure.

Companies like PSEG have taken steps in the right direction by launching initiatives to encourage people with disabilities to bring their full selves to work. After their awareness campaign, the percentage of people who identified as disabled in their workplace tripled. This is a clear indication that when we create an environment of understanding and empathy, people feel more comfortable disclosing their disabilities.

As we move forward, let's remember Ladau's words: "When we shift that narrative and we begin to say, 'You can identify as having a disability. That is something that you can be proud of. That makes you who you are,' the number of people who identify in the workplace as disabled is going to grow."

Let's continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for reasonable accommodations, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that disabled individuals bring to the workplace.

The ADA Under Siege? What the Supreme Court’s Latest Ruling Means for Disability Rights

A pull quote from Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, “it would be deeply unfortunate if the Equal Protection Clause actually demanded this perverse, ahistorical, and counterproductive outcome.”

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn race-conscious admissions in colleges has left me, as a disability advocate, deeply concerned. The ruling, which challenges affirmative action, makes me wonder: What does this mean for other minority groups, especially the disabled community?

With this ruling, the Supreme Court continues its historic march backward on civil rights; seemingly hellbent on taking them all back piece by piece.

Will Hild of Consumers'​ Research told The Washington Post the ruling “will put the wind in the sails of groups like ours, who want to get the woke, racially based hiring and promotion schemes out of corporate America.” This statement raises alarm bells. If the court is willing to challenge affirmative action, is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) next?

Furthermore, Hild mentions that legal precedents allowing race-conscious admissions have been a “fig leaf” for private sector diversity initiatives. With this ruling, he predicts a “free-for-all on pushing back against that.” This suggests that the ruling could embolden challenges to diversity initiatives across the board, including those aimed at disability inclusion.

In a scorching dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor stated that “the devastating impact of this decision cannot be overstated.” She added that the decision “cements a superficial rule of colorblindness as a constitutional principle in an endemically segregated society where race has always mattered and continues to matter.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote in her dissent that “it would be deeply unfortunate if the Equal Protection Clause actually demanded this perverse, ahistorical, and counterproductive outcome.”

The ADA has been a cornerstone for disability rights, ensuring equal opportunities for people like me. I am one of the 61 million disabled adults in the United States. As a wheelchair user and service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, the ADA has been instrumental in my life. But this ruling might embolden groups to challenge not just racial diversity but diversity as a whole.

We must remain vigilant and proactive. The progress we’ve made in disability rights is monumental, but it’s also fragile. We must ensure that this ruling does not become a precedent for eroding the protections that the ADA provides.

As we enter Disability Pride Month, as we celebrate Independence Day, we must not become complacent. I urge you all to stay informed, engage in discussions, and stand up for the rights of all minority groups. Our diversity is our strength. Let’s protect it.

#DisabilityRights #SupremeCourt #ADA #ProtectDiversity #AffirmativeAction #SCOTUS #CivilRights #StayInformed #EngageInChange #DEI #DEIA #DisabilityPride

Celebrating The ADA at 32

Yesterday, with the help of StoryCorps, I had the privilege of a lifetime sitting down with my friend, Business RadioX® “Fearless Formula” podcast host, and Professional Voice-over Artist Sharon Cline. We discussed the challenges and triumphs of disability advocacy, the role of allyship, and the importance of the ADA on its 32nd birthday.

Disability Advocate Ryan Honick and “Fearless Formula” podcast host, and Professional Voiceover Artist Sharon Cline discuss disability advocacy and the importance of the ADA on its 32nd birthday, July 26, 2022.