Autism Family Caregivers Act

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the day-to-day challenges facing autistic people and their families.

A June 26 press release from Rep. Dave Min (D-CA):

Today, Representative Dave Min (CA-47), alongside Grace Meng (NY-06) Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Maria Salazar (FL-27), introduced bipartisan legislation to provide skills training for parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities. The bill would establish a pilot program to award grants to nonprofits, community health centers, and hospitals to provide evidence-based caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children with these conditions.

“Roughly one in thirty one children are diagnosed with autism in America,” said Rep. Min. “We need to provide parents with the tools and support to empower their children’s growth and development. Caregiver skill training is proven to help children with special needs flourish. We owe it to our kids to provide them with the resources they need to thrive.”

“Too many families navigating autism face the journey without the guidance and support they deserve. The Autism Family Caregivers Act takes direct action—delivering practical training through local organizations to help caregivers build skills, reduce stress, and improve outcomes for their children. I’ve been working with families and advocates across our PA-1 community who’ve made one thing clear: if we want better results, we have to better equip those doing the work at home. This bill answers that call—and I’m committed to driving it forward,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities deserve to have all the tools they need to reach their full potential in life,” said Rep. Grace Meng. “In order to make that possible, we must make sure caregivers are equipped with the training and support to provide the level of assistance each child needs. This bipartisan bill demonstrates our commitment in Congress to the dedicated caregivers who are giving endless amounts of time and energy toward helping their loved ones live full and complete lives. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this important bill.”

“I'm pleased to co-lead the Autism Family Caregivers Act, important bipartisan legislation providing essential skills training to family caregivers of children with autism and developmental disabilities,” said Rep. Bacon. “This five-year pilot program will award grants to community organizations nationwide. Through evidence-based training, we'll help families better support their loved ones with improved communication, daily living skills, and behavior management.”

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, I am committed to empowering caregivers that serve children with autism,” said Rep. Cuellar. “I applaud my colleagues for working across the aisle to help introduce the bipartisan Autism Family Caregivers Act. This bill will train family caregivers using existing medical facilities and organizations to help improve the well-being of children with autism and developmental disabilities.”

“I’m proud to co-lead the Autism Family Caregivers Act, bipartisan legislation delivering essential support directly to the families who need it most,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “This pilot program equips caregivers in Florida’s 27th district and nationwide with critical skills to care for loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities. Strong caregivers build resilient families, and resilient families strengthen America.”

“We’re grateful to Representatives David Min, Grace Meng, Brian Fitzpatrick, Henry Cuellar, Don Bacon, and Maria Salazar for reintroducing this important legislation,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “Families have told us time and again how critical caregiver support and training are to their children’s growth and well-being. The Autism Family Caregivers Act responds to that need—bringing evidence-based skills training into communities across the country and helping to address disparities in access to care. Empowering caregivers ultimately means empowering autistic people to thrive.”

“Easterseals Southern California strongly supports the Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025,” said Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Chief Clinical Officer of Easterseals Southern California. As one of the largest autism therapy service providers in the US, we see how caregiver training significantly improves the well-being of autistic children and their families. There are few evidence-based and demonstrated caregiver training programs, and the demand for training far surpasses the supply of resources. We are confident the benefits of autism family caregivers training will improve the lives of the children, families and communities where they reside. We support this bipartisan bill and applaud the cosponsors for addressing this healthcare void.”

“As a leading nonprofit organization with 25 years of experience serving Korean American families of children with Autism and related developmental disabilities, we wholeheartedly support Autism Family Caregiver Act of 2025," said Dr. Hyun Park, M.D. with the Korean Special Education Center (KASEC). “Through our work, we have seen firsthand many challenges of raising a child with disability and the importance of teaching culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies to improve wellbeing of children with developmental disability and their caregivers. This experience has reinforced our strong belief in the importance of caregiver training, making us especially excited about this bill’s potential to empower families, equip caregivers with essential skills, and create a lasting positive impact on children with autism and their communities.”

This bill is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Speaks, Autism Society, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, Chinese American Association for the Autistic Community, Community Inclusion & Development Alliance, Easterseals of Southern California, Easterseals, Inc., Family Voices, Korean American Special Education Center, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, and The Arc.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Grace Meng (NY-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Don Bacon (NE-02), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Lou Correa (CA-46), David Valadao (CA-22), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Eleanor Norton Holmes (DC-AL), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), John Mannion (NY-22), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Robert Garcia (CA-42).

Bill text can be found here.

RFK's Bad Day

 In The Politics of Autism, I analyze the myth that vaccines cause autism. This bogus idea can hurt people by allowing diseases to spread.    Examples include measles, COVID, flu, and polio.

A number of posts discussed Trump's support for the discredited notion.

 Another leading anti-vaxxer is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.  He has repeatedly compared vaccine mandates to the Holocaust.  Rolling Stone and Salon retracted an RFK article linking vaccines to autism.  He is part of the "Disinformation Dozen." He helped cause a deadly 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.

He is now Trump's secretary of HHS.  At a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health , three members eviscerated him.

Rep. Kim Schreier (D-WA) -- a pediatrician:

Take 5 minutes to watch @DrKimSchrier give a masterclass on how to use your committee time. 👇 pic.twitter.com/Ss17jl2F5b

— Rachel Bitecofer 🗽🦆 (@RachelBitecofer) June 24, 2025

AOC:

AOC: Are you aware that President Trump's DOJ is investigating United Health Care for criminal insurance fraud?

RFK JR: I am not aware of that investigation

AOC: You are not aware that the Trump DOJ is investigating the largest insurance company in America for fraud in Medicare… pic.twitter.com/HGbd3iSIMf

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 24, 2025

Frank Pallone (D-NJ):

PALLONE: With regard to vaccines, are you just afraid to receive public comments on proposals? There's been no public process

RFK JR: We have a public process for regulating vaccines. It's called the ACIP committee.

PALLONE: You fired the committee! pic.twitter.com/H3gvQWV0jL

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 24, 2025

President Biden Signs Autism CARES

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

 Yesterday, President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 into law.  A release from Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ):

Comprehensive legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to provide robust funding and enhanced support for Americans with autism was signed into law this week.

Smith’s Autism CARES Act of 2024 will provide more than $1.95 billion over five years for programs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

“At CDC, the funding will support ongoing developmental disability surveillance and research; at HRSA, the funding will cover education, early detection and intervention services; at NIH, the funding will drive research as well as the coordination of autism-related activities, including the Inter Agency Coordinating Committee (IACC),” Smith said during debate on the House Floor on December 16th.

“As the prime author of the Autism Cares Act of 2024 and previous iterations of the law in 2011, 2014, and 2019, I know this legislation will help make a huge difference in the lives of the millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for durable remedies as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible,” Smith said.

“According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the United States—including 1 in 35 children in my home state of New Jersey—are on the autism spectrum,” said Smith.

“My legislation pursues critical research goals and focuses on responsive and effective interventions for the estimated 6.8 million individuals with autism—27 percent of whom, or over 1.8 million, are profoundly autistic,” Smith said.

Smith’s bill—with Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) as the Democrat lead and 61 other bipartisan cosponsors—is expected to become law before the end of the year.

“I am pleased to help pass this bipartisan legislation, a bill I championed alongside Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4), and send it to the President's desk. This bipartisan bill will provide vital funding to expand research and care for Americans with autism,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Through this bill, we continue important work in understanding the causes of autism, the best ways to treat autism, and incorporate the voices of those previously missed by research.”

Smith’s legislation has received strong support from the nation’s leading autism advocacy groups, including Autism New Jersey, Autism Speaks, the Autism Society, the Profound Autism Alliance, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024 will:

· Direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research issues encountered by individuals and caregivers as they age, mental health concerns, issues related to aging, as well as co-occurring conditions and needs for supports and services, such as care necessary for physical safety and the prevention of self-injurious behavior;

· Increase the number of NIH Centers of Excellence to seven and ensure research reflects the entire population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and is designed to address the full range of needs faced by individuals, including to ensure the physical safety and to promote the well-being of all Americans with autism;

· Include, for the first time, a professional bypass budget to provide the autism community with a comprehensive budget highlighting priority research areas and resources needed to advance quality of life improvements for all individuals with autism; and

· Promote the adoption of assistive communication technologies to improve communications outcomes for those with communication assistance needs.

Smith, who has been a steadfast champion for the autism community for decades, said “it all started in September 1997 with Bobbie and Billy Gallagher from Brick Township and their indomitable commitment to help their two children—Austin and Alanna—and everyone else with autism.”

“We met several times and invited the CDC to Brick only to realize that federal autism programs were woefully inadequate—almost nonexistent,” said Smith, who noted he continues to plan and strategize with the couple to this day.

At Smith’s invitation, federal agencies came to Ocean County for an investigation and found that autism prevalence rates were high not only in Brick, but in nearby communities as well. In response, Smith authored the Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research and Epidemiology Act, which was incorporated as Title I of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, authorizing grants and contracts for the collection, analysis and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities.

House Passes Autism CARES

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

 A release from Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ):

The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed (402-13) new comprehensive legislation (HR 7213) authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to provide more than $1.95 billion to reauthorize and strengthen the United States’ whole-of-government autism spectrum disorder (ASD) initiative through 2029. Smith’s bill—with Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) as the Democrat lead and 61 other bipartisan cosponsors—now heads to the Senate.

Smith, who has authored four major autism laws to date, said his new legislation “will help make a huge difference in the lives of the millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for durable remedies as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible.”

“With substantive input from advocates in the autism community, my legislation will also help advance key research priorities and ensure enhanced collaboration between federal agencies and families and individuals with autism,” Smith said. 

“This bipartisan bill will provide vital funding to expand research and care for Americans with autism,” said Dr. Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Through this bill, we continue important work in understanding the causes of autism, the best ways to treat autism, and incorporate the voices of those previously missed by research. I would like to thank Representative Chris Smith for his leadership on this important legislation.”

Smith’s legislation—which received unanimous approval from the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a vote (42-0) to send the bill to the House Floor earlier this year—has received strong support from the nation’s leading autism advocacy groups, including Autism Speaks, the Autism Society, the Autism Science Foundation, the Arc of the United States, the Profound Autism Alliance, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Specifically, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024 would:

· Authorize $1.95 billion—including $306 million in annual funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH); $28.1 million in annual funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and $56.3 million in annual funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA);

· Direct the NIH to ensure research reflects the entire population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including the full range of cognitive, communicative, behavioral, and adaptive functioning, as well as co-occurring conditions and needs for supports and services, including and especially care necessary for physical safety;

· Increase the number of NIH Centers of Excellence and ensure research reflects the entire population of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and is designed to address the full range of needs faced by individuals, including to ensure the physical safety and to promote the well being of all Americans with autism;

· Include, for the first time, a professional bypass budget to provide the autism community with a comprehensive budget highlighting priority research areas and resources needed to advance quality of life improvements for all individuals with autism;

· Promote the adoption of assistive communication technologies to improve communications outcomes for those with communication assistance needs; and

· Require a report on youth aging out of school-aged services, as well as recommendations to improve mental health outcomes and address related disparities in mental health care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including prevention, care coordination, and community-based services.

Smith, who has been a steadfast champion for the autism community for decades, stepped up his involvement on autism in 1997 when Bobbie and Billy Gallagher—parents of two small children with autism—from Brick walked into his Ocean County office looking for help, believing their town had a disproportionate number of students with autism.

In response, Smith brought federal agencies to Ocean County for an investigation—which found that autism prevalence rates were high not only in Brick, but in nearby communities as well—and authored the Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research and Epidemiology Act, which was incorporated as Title I of the Children’s Health Act of 2000, authorizing grants and contracts for the collection, analysis and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities.

The Spectrum Act

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss gender differences in autism identification.

Joseph Choi at The Hill:

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced a bill [HR 9436] Friday aimed at addressing the underdiagnosis and late diagnosis of autism in women and girls.

Along with GOP Reps. Claudia Tenney (N.Y.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Khanna introduced the Spectrum Act, which would authorize the director of the National Science Foundation to award grants for research into how autism is approached when it comes to women and girls.

Male patients are diagnosed with autism at a rate four times higher than their female counterparts. In recent years, there has been a growing consensus that female patients go undiagnosed or are diagnosed with autism later in life due to differences in how it presents in comparison to male patients.

Girls may be more likely to “mask” the signs of autism, or adults in their life may be more likely to overlook symptoms.

...

The Spectrum Act would provide funding for research into “masking” in women and girls as well as the “double empathy problem” theory first proposed by British autism researcher Damian Milton.

His theory argues against the notion that autistic people have less empathy, and instead proposes people with autism and nonautistic people lack mutual understanding of each others’ experiences, making it difficult for them to empathize with each other.

Emma Preston, a senior policy adviser for Khanna, said her own “lived experiences” informed her pushing the lawmaker to look into the issue.

“I had asked him if we could pursue it last year; at the time, I was trying to better understand my own lived experiences and whether they fell under the umbrella of neurodivergence. I quickly realized that the existing research focused almost exclusively on boys, with hardly any variation in gender, race, or income,” Preston said.

Autism CARES Reauthorization

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

From the Autism Society:

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act, first enacted in 2006 and signed into law by President George W. Bush, represents a landmark in coordinated federal efforts to address the increasing prevalence of Autism. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now reporting that approximately 1 in 36 kids are diagnosed with Autism and 4.5 million adults in America have Autism, the need for a comprehensive approach to Autism has never been more critical. The Autism CARES Act has established crucial programs and committees, including the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and various initiatives across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aimed at enhancing our understanding and management of Autism.

Issues:

Despite significant advancements in Autism research and services, the rising diagnosis rates underscore the ongoing urgency to bolster federal response. The Autism CARES Act, reauthorized last in 2019, faces a sunset deadline of September 30th, 2024. Without timely reauthorization, the future of these essential programs and the progress they represent is at risk.

Members of Congress must act swiftly to reauthorize and enhance the Autism CARES Act. The continuation and expansion of these programs are not just a matter of policy but a necessity for the countless individuals and families affected by Autism. Together, we can ensure a future where every person with Autism has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and supported life.

Your Voice Matters:

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill out of committee unanimously on June 12th. The bill now goes to the House floor and then the Senate to become law. Contact your Senators and Representatives today and urge them to support the reauthorization and enhancement of the Autism CARES Act. Your advocacy can make a difference in the lives of millions.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers to Retire from Congress

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

I have an article at The Forum: "Disability Policy in the Contemporary Congress." Abstract:

The politics of disability policy in the contemporary Congress confirms the observation by James Curry and Frances Lee that lawmaking largely remains a process of bipartisan accommodation. Most major disability legislation since the 1970s has passed with bipartisan sponsorship and support. One reason is that the issue affects so many Americans, including members of Congress. There have been some exceptions to this bipartisan pattern, particularly when disability policy intersects with more contentious issues. And bipartisanship does not guarantee outcomes that are satisfactory to people with disabilities.

Andru Zodrow NonStop Local:

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) has announced that she is not seeking reelection in 2024. She has served in congress since 2005 and is an influential figure in both Congress and the Republican Party. Her choice to not run again marks a sea-change in regional politics.

...

Eric Michael Garcia, an MSNBC columnist and advocate for autistic people, noted that McMorris Rodgers made disability issues a consistent theme of her legislative work.

“Cathy McMorris Rodgers is an outspoken voice on ending subminimum wage labor for people with [disabilities.] Her son has Down Syndrome. I was surprised she didn’t put herself up for speaker,” Garcia wrote.

Conservative media figure Brandi Kruse registered her surprise with the decision, and argued that McMorris Rodgers’ departure was part of a broader shift in the Congress.

“We’ve seen this really across the country, from some of the more sane members of congress, where it's just become too much–it's become a sideshow,” Kruse said.

She chairs the Education and Workforce Committee. Daniela Altimari and David Jordan at Roll Call:

Most recently, she led the House debate ahead of passage of a bill this week to ban federal programs from using “quality-adjusted life years” in assessing the value of treatments. Disability advocates argue the strategy discounts people with disabilities. Democrats, for their part, support the concept but argued that the bill, as written, goes further and could hinder other strategies to assess cost-effectiveness.

...

Her son, Cole Rodgers, was born with an extra chromosome and that, she said, inspired her to become an advocate for people with disabilities.

“Cole was with me on the House floor when we passed the ABLE Act, which marked a new chapter of opportunity and independence for people living with a disability,’’ she said, referring to legislation she helped shepherd through that helps people with disabilities open tax-free savings accounts.

Rodgers has cited her son as a reason she is passionately against abortion. She frequently references him as a motivator on issues related to protecting life.

BIll on Disabilities and Autonomous Vehicles

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss interactions between police and autistic people.  Sometimes they occur on the road.

 A release from Rep. Brian Mast  (R-FL):

Representatives Brian Mast (FL-21) and Greg Stanton (AZ-4), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the bipartisan Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Accessibility Act to help people with disabilities better access the mobility and independence benefits of ride-hail AVs.

“The AV Accessibility Act will jumpstart conversations and comprehensive work to ensure that those with disabilities are able to utilize ride hailing autonomous technology,” Rep. Mast said. “The government should be working to reduce barriers to opportunity rather than creating them, this commonsense legislation does just that. I look forward to working with Rep. Stanton to move this legislation ensuring those with disabilities have the same opportunities as anyone else.”
...

People with disabilities often face unique challenges accessing existing modes of transportation, and AVs hold tremendous potential to address unmet mobility needs. However, AVs don’t fit neatly into the traditional legal constructs of driver and passenger and require policymakers to start thinking differently.

The AV Accessibility Act will ensure passengers are legally protected if an AV is pulled over or other issues occur, even if they do not hold a driver license due to their disability. It also requires the U.S. Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the National Academies of Science, to study best practices for public transportation infrastructure to be modified to improve the ability of Americans with disabilities to find, access, and use ride-hail autonomous vehicles, including during pickup and drop off.

... 

The bill has been endorsed by AV companies and national disability advocacy groups.


You can read the full bill here.

Eliminating the SSI Marriage Penalty

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue. I also have an article at The Forum: "Disability Policy in the Contemporary Congress." Abstract:

The politics of disability policy in the contemporary Congress confirms the observation by James Curry and Frances Lee that lawmaking largely remains a process of bipartisan accommodation. Most major disability legislation since the 1970s has passed with bipartisan sponsorship and support. One reason is that the issue affects so many Americans, including members of Congress. There have been some exceptions to this bipartisan pattern, particularly when disability policy intersects with more contentious issues. And bipartisanship does not guarantee outcomes that are satisfactory to people with disabilities.

A release from Rep. David Valadao (R-CA):

Today at the Kern Regional Center, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) announced the introduction of a bipartisan bill to remove the marriage penalty for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with disabilities. Currently, benefits for a married couple who both receive SSI and have no other income amount to 25% less than their non-married counterparts. H.R. 7055, The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA) seeks to address this shortfall and ensure individuals with disabilities are not penalized by the federal government for getting married.

“Individuals with intellectual disabilities shouldn’t be punished for getting married, but sadly that’s exactly what’s happening with their reduction in SSI benefits,” said Congressman Valadao. “I introduced the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act to ensure married adults with intellectual disabilities have the resources they need to meet their basic needs and lead independent lives. Thank you to one of my constituents, Kelly, who brought this issue to my team’s attention on behalf of her daughter.”

“No one should be penalized for getting married, especially when it comes to accessing the critical benefits that so many people in our community rely on,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I’m fighting in Congress to make sure families have all the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and live their lives to the fullest. The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act is a much-needed step toward ensuring married adults with diagnosed intellectual and developmental disabilities get every dollar of the Supplemental Security Income they deserve.”

Rep. Valadao announced the bill during a tour of Kern Regional Center (KRC), a private, nonprofit regional center contracted by the State of California through the Department of Developmental Services to coordinate community-based services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This visit allowed Rep. Valadao to hear directly from a couple who would be impacted by this legislation, as well as learn more about the important work being done by KRC to help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve an independent and productive life.


"Having Rep. Valadao and his staff visit KRC to see what we do at the regional center and hear firsthand from people we serve who are married was a great opportunity for us all to learn more about how we can continue advocating for this important legislation," said KRC Executive Director Dr. Michi Gates.

Rep. Valadao was joined during the tour by KRC's Executive Director Dr. Michi Gates, Board President Tracey Mensch, Associate Director for Intake Kristine Khuu, Assistant Director of Early Childhood Services Lulu Cavillo, Director of Client Services Celia Pinal, Director of Community Services Enrique Roman, and Chief Financial Officer Tom Wolfram. During his visit, Rep. Valadao sat down with Kelly Kulzer-Reyes, a parent whose message to Rep. Valadao's office inspired the legislation, as well as Micaela and Diego Cruz, a married couple who have been impacted by the SSI marriage penalty.

The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act is endorsed by Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, and Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the Representatives and offices involved for their invaluable commitment to allowing individuals with IDD to marry without being penalized. At the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), we advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome, including their right to decide who they want to date and possibly marry. The EMPSA bill will allow an SSI recipient with IDD to marry another SSI beneficiary without fear of loss or reduction in critical benefits,” said Stephanie Smith Lee, Interim Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress.

“The current Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program asset limits, which have not been raised in 40 years, are a major disincentive for people with Down syndrome who wish to get married,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL). “We are grateful for Congressman Valadao’s leadership in advancing the bipartisan Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act, which will allow all people with intellectual disabilities to marry without being financially penalized. The ability to get married is so important for mental health and is a basic human and civil right.

Read the full text of the bill here.

Read a one-page summary of the bill here

Disability Policy and Family Ties

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

I have an article at The Forum: "Disability Policy in the Contemporary Congress." Abstract:

The politics of disability policy in the contemporary Congress confirms the observation by James Curry and Frances Lee that lawmaking largely remains a process of bipartisan accommodation. Most major disability legislation since the 1970s has passed with bipartisan sponsorship and support. One reason is that the issue affects so many Americans, including members of Congress. There have been some exceptions to this bipartisan pattern, particularly when disability policy intersects with more contentious issues. And bipartisanship does not guarantee outcomes that are satisfactory to people with disabilities.

At NYT, Kayla Guo writes that family experience with disability can foster bipartisanship on disability issues. She focuses on Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO)

They have little in common in terms of politics or legislative priorities. But both have children with disabilities: Ms. Hassan’s son, Ben, 35, has severe cerebral palsy. Mr. Schmitt’s son, Stephen, 19, is nonverbal and has tuberous sclerosis, epilepsy and autism.

“You have that special bond that is sometimes hard to explain to other people,” Mr. Schmitt said of his relationship with Ms. Hassan. “We may not vote together on hardly anything, but there’s a deeper connection.”

At a moment of stark polarization across the nation, Mr. Schmitt and Ms. Hassan are among several lawmakers in Congress with disabled children who have bonded over that shared circumstance. The common ground these lawmakers have found is a reminder of the human elements of serving in Congress: the time spent away from family, the importance of relationships on Capitol Hill and the personal perspectives lawmakers bring with them to Washington that shape their political and policy agendas.

“It’s something that you hear people in public office say a lot, but we actually have a lot in common,” Ms. Hassan said in an interview. “We have similar family experiences. We’re struggling with a lot of the same things, and I hope Americans will remember that and stay focused on it.”

...

 In the House, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Pete Stauber of Minnesota, both Republicans, have children with Down syndrome. Ms. McMorris Rodgers founded the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus after her son, Cole, 16, was born.

In the House, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Pete Stauber of Minnesota, both Republicans, have children with Down syndrome. Ms. McMorris Rodgers founded the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus after her son, Cole, 16, was born.

“You almost feel like you’re family because there’s an understanding, a shared experience,” Ms. McMorris Rodgers said about other lawmakers with disabled children. “It definitely builds a relationship. And there’s an immediate desire to work together.”

Mr. Stauber, who had a Barbie doll with Down syndrome displayed in his Washington office, teared up during an interview as he recalled how his son Isaac, 21, would greet him every day when he got home from work as a police officer. Isaac, one of Mr. Stauber’s six children, has “severe and profound” Down syndrome. He graduated from high school in the spring, and, like his father, loves ’70s and ’80s rock music.

“There are colleagues on the other side of the aisle that politically I may not agree with,” Mr. Stauber said. “But there is no daylight between us in supporting our special needs community.”

He added: “We’ll give each other a hug when we need it. It’s a good common ground.”

 

Coalition for Autism Research and Education

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue. As with disability policy more generally, it has tended to be bipartisan.

From the Autism Society:

The Coalition for Autism Research and Education (“CARE” or “Autism Caucus”), the first-ever Congressional Membership Organization dedicated to autism advocacy on Capitol Hill, was founded in 2006 and is co-chaired by Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX)  and Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ). The Caucus was created to help advocate for autism research, education, and support. 

Refer to the chart below for current members of the Autism Caucus. If your Member of Congress is not yet a member, please contact them and ask them to consider joining using this Action Alert. They can contact Alicia Seagraves, staff of Rep. Cuellar (alicia.seagraves@mail.house.gov), or John McDonough, staff of Rep. Smith (john.mcdonough@mail.house.gov) to learn more and join. 

Co-chairs: Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Memember

• Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)
• Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)
• Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA)
• Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA)
• Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)
• Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH)
• Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
• Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA)
• Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK)
• Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
• Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
• Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)
• Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL)
• Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
• Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN)
• Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
• Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA)
• Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX)
• Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
• Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
• Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
• Rep. André Carson (D-IN)
• Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA)
• Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
• Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA)
• Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)
• Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)
• Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)
• Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
• Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA)
• Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)
• Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA)
• Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA)
• Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)
• Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)
• Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)
• Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
• Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
• Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
• Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
• Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN)
• Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
• Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI)
• Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
• Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
• Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX)
• Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA)
• Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ)
• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
• Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)
• Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
• Rep. French Hill (R-AR)
• Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT)
• Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
• Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA)
• Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)
• Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH)
• Rep. John Joyce (R-PA)
• Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
• Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA)
• Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)
• Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
• Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH)
• Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
• Rep. John Larson (D-CT)
• Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA)
• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
• Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
• Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
• Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
• Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
• Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
• Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
• Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
• Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA)
• Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV)
• Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)
• Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY)
• Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
• Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA)
• Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
• Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
• Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
• Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)
• Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ)
• Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)
• Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL)
• Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL)
• Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
• Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)
• Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC)
• Delegate Kilili Sablan (D-MP)
• Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA)
• Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
• Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
• Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
• Rep. David Scott (D-GA)
• Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA)
• Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
• Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ)
• Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ)
• Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
• Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN)
• Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA)
• Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO)
• Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
• Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA)
• Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
• Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)
• Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
• Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
• Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC)
• Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
• Rep. David Trone (D-MD)
• Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH)
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
• Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO)
• Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
• Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA)
• Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
• Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)
• Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS)
• Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA)
• Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
• Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
• Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA)

Think Differently

 In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

I have an article at The Forum: "Disability Policy in the Contemporary Congress." Abstract:

The politics of disability policy in the contemporary Congress confirms the observation by James Curry and Frances Lee that lawmaking largely remains a process of bipartisan accommodation. Most major disability legislation since the 1970s has passed with bipartisan sponsorship and support. One reason is that the issue affects so many Americans, including members of Congress. There have been some exceptions to this bipartisan pattern, particularly when disability policy intersects with more contentious issues. And bipartisanship does not guarantee outcomes that are satisfactory to people with disabilities.

The latest example of largely-unheraled bipartisan work. 

A September 14 release from Rep. Marc Molinaro:

 U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today announced the Think DIFFERENTLY About Education Act was voted out of the House Committee on Education & Workforce and will advance to the House Floor. Rep. Molinaro introduced this bipartisan bill alongside U.S. Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). This bill builds on Rep. Molinaro’s ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative to provide resources to individuals with disabilities and their families.  

In an annual IEP meeting, school staff and parents of a child with a disability meet to develop an educational plan for the student. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, parents have the right to bring a third-party advocate, such as a therapist, lawyer, or knowledgeable family member, to these meetings. However, most parents are not aware of this right. The Think DIFFERENTLY About Education Act requires K-12 schools to inform parents of their right to bring an advocate to individualized education program (IEP) meetings. 

...

Denise Marshall, CEO of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates said, "The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) thanks Representative Molinaro for his leadership on behalf of students with disabilities through introduction and mark-up of The Think Differently About Education Act. This bill would require districts to inform parents of their existing right to bring any individual into a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting where key decisions are made that impact the child's education. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Molinaro in promoting and protecting the rights of children with disabilities."

Bipartisan Bill to Phase Out Subminimum Wages

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the employment of people on the autism spectrum

 A release from Senator Bob Casey (D-PA):

Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5) are announcing introduction of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, (TCIEA) legislation to end subminimum wages for people with disabilities. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act permits employers to pay people with disabilities below the minimum wage if they hold a certificate to do so. The TCIEA would end this discriminatory practice and support employers transitioning to paying competitive, fair wages to people with disabilities to work in integrated settings in their communities. People with disabilities are better able to achieve financial independence and spend more time engaging in their communities when they transition to competitive employment and work in integrated environments—workplaces that hire both people with disabilities and people without disabilities. The majority of subminimum wage workers have an intellectual or developmental disability and are paid less than $3.50 an hour.

Sen. Casey and Rep. Scott are also highlighting the results of a new report they requested from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) detailing the Department of Labor’s (DOL) oversight of the 14(c) certificate program, which allows employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. The report finds that between 2012 and 2021, DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) identified over $15 million in unpaid back wages owed to more than 73,500 14(c) employees due to employers’ failure to fairly compensate employees.

“Paying workers less than the minimum wage is unacceptable. Everyone deserves to be paid a fair wage, and Americans with disabilities are no exception. This commonsense, bipartisan bill would lift up people with disabilities by raising their wages and creating competitive jobs in workplaces that employ both workers with and without disabilities,” said Senator Casey.

“Montanans with disabilities contribute to our communities and their work is valuable—they should never be paid below minimum wage. There is dignity and hope in work, so we should be doing all we can to expand opportunity and ensure fair pay to Montanans with disabilities in the workforce,” said Senator Daines.

“While GAO notes that the number of employers authorized to pay subminimum wages under the 14(c) program decreased by 50 percent between 2010 and 2019, the data suggest that most 14(c) workers are earning less than $3.50 per hour. In other words, they are still being denied equal opportunity in America,” said Ranking Member Scott. “It is long past time for Congress to phase out the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities and expand access to fulfilling employment and economic self-sufficiency. By fostering collaboration between employers and services providers, this bipartisan legislation makes clear that it is not only possible, but beneficial, to invest in fully integrated and competitive jobs for people with disabilities. We must take this next step to ensure that every worker can succeed in the workplace and earn a fair wage.”

“America is the land of opportunity where no one is defined by the conditions of their birth. It’s in this spirit that we should be doing everything we can to bring people with disabilities off the sidelines and into the workforce,” said Rodgers. “This work started with creating and expanding ABLE accounts, which are empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. Today, with this bipartisan legislation, it continues on the next policy frontier – employment. Together, we can end the outdated practice of paying individuals with disabilities a subminimum wage and help them live more independent lives.”

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “States, federal agencies, and employers themselves increasingly recognize that it is time to move away from the antiquated model of segregated, subminimum-wage employment and toward allowing the blind and other disabled Americans to participate in the kind of meaningful, remunerative work that others take for granted. Blindness or disability does not equal lack of capacity to engage in competitive, integrated employment, and we applaud Chairman Casey for rejecting eighty-five years of false thinking about our capabilities.”

The GAO report found that the number of employers paying subminimum wages to people with disabilities has decreased from 3,100 in 2010 to almost 1,600 in 2019, while more people with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities, participate in the labor market than ever before. WHD officials and stakeholder organizations attribute the declines in subminimum wage employment to recent federal and state policies, including Senator Casey’s successful efforts to include funding for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) pilot program in the FY21 federal spending bill. The program provides five-year grant awards for states to help employers transition to paying competitive, fair wages to people with disabilities. The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation will receive $13 million to begin phasing out subminimum wage jobs for Pennsylvanians with disabilities as part of the program.

GAO also found that WHD’s processing times for 14(c) certificate applications and renewals varied widely, ranging from 2 days to over 2 years. Long processing times allow employers with expired certificates to continue operations without meeting program requirements. Some of these requirements include paying fair commensurate wages to workers and providing required career counseling about employment options outside of subminimum wage work, activities that can help people with disabilities earning subminimum wages to transition to competitive, integrated employment.

GAO outlined three recommendations to WHD to ensure better oversight of the 14(c) certificate program:WHD should set and track timeliness goals for intermediate steps and overall duration for processing 14(c) applications.
WHD should externally communicate its goals for timely 14(c) application processing to employers and stakeholders.
WHD should solicit feedback from 14(c) employers regarding the online application and take steps to address limitations and improve the overall timeliness of application processing.

Read more about the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act here link.

Read the GAO report here link.

Dingell and Fitzpatrick Co-Chair Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the congressional role in the issue.

A July 26 release from Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI):

Today, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus (BDC), Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI-02), named Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) a new co-chair of the BDC, alongside Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). The announcement comes on the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rep. Langevin, the first quadriplegic ever elected to Congress, founded the Caucus in 2001 shortly after being elected to the House of Representatives. For over 20 years, the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus has served as a space to inform, educate, and raise awareness in Congress on the many issues that affect people with disabilities. Boasting more than 50 members, the Caucus has helped Congressmen and women on both sides of the aisle find common ground in pursuit of moving the needle on disability issues.

“It is an honor to be named a co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, and I thank my friend and colleague Rep. Langevin for the opportunity to continue to build on his efforts to promote equality and remove barriers for Americans with disabilities. Rep. Langevin has made monumental progress advancing disability rights and bringing attention to these issues with graciousness and candor, and his leadership in Congress will be missed,” said Rep. Dingell. “Living with my husband who experienced mobility problems later in his life gave me a better understanding of just how far we still must go to ensure Americans with disabilities have access to the same experiences and opportunities as everyone else. I look forward to working with the Caucus to advance policies that promote equity and address barriers to inclusion in years ahead.”

“22 years ago, I founded the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus to raise awareness among members of Congress in both parties about the challenges facing Americans with disabilities. Since then, our caucus has brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver countless wins for the disability community,” said Rep. Jim Langevin, founder of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus. “As my tenure in Congress begins to wind down, I am so proud to welcome Representatives Debbie Dingell and Brian Fitzpatrick as my two, new co-chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus. I know that they share my fierce commitment to creating a society that is fully inclusive and accessible for all Americans, and I am confident that the Caucus will be in strong, capable hands after I am no longer in Congress.”

“I am honored to be the new co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus and I look forward to working across the aisle to help the 61 million Americans living with a disability,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “During my time in Congress, I have been committed and will remain committed to ensuring those living with a disability have the access and coverage they not only need but deserve. As we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the ADA, we must recognize that there is more we can do to address the challenges that our disabled community is facing.”

“A sincere thanks to all the advocates and the members of Congress, including Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer, and members of the Disability Caucus, led by Congressman Langevin. Jim, thank you for your 22 years of service in Congress. And I know Reps. Debbie Dingell and Brian Fitzpatrick will follow your tremendous leadership in the Caucus,” President Joseph R. Biden Jr. said in his pre-recorded remarks. “We know there’s more that needs to be done, and I’m committed getting more done with you… Together, let’s keep fulfilling ADA’s promise: building a nation that truly is for all of us.”

“It was my privilege to join the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – a transformative legislative achievement and a pillar of civil rights,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “Guided by Rep. Jim Langevin, the Congress’s support for the disability community has remained bipartisan and steadfast. Twelve years ago today, Rep. Langevin made history presiding over the House, making clear that every American deserves an equal voice in our society. Now, as he prepares for his next chapter, the Congress will proudly carry on his fight for justice – drawing strength from the leadership of Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, two devoted advocates for America’s disability community.”

“Without the ADA, I would not be in Congress. Today is a day to celebrate the tremendous progress that we’ve made for Americans with disabilities, while also recognizing how much further we have to go until all people with disabilities can enjoy fulfilling, independent lives,” Langevin continued. “Although this will be my last ADA anniversary celebration as a member of Congress, you can count on me to continue fighting for the disability community until my last day in office, and beyond. I want to thank President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, Senator Casey, Representatives Dingell and Fitzpatrick, Undersecretary of Transportation Monje, and Jim Brett and for joining me tonight in commemoration of such a special day.”

Reps. Langevin, Dingell, and Fitzpatrick were joined for a celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Senator Bob Casey, White House Domestic Policy Council Disability Policy Director, Day Al-Mohamed, former Senator Tom Harkin, and Vice-Chair of the National Council on Disability, Jim Brett.

Yuh-Line Niou and Disabled Politicians

In The Politics of Autism, I write:  "Support from the general public will be an important political asset for autistic people. Another will be their sheer numbers, since a larger population of identified autistic adults will mean more autistic voters and activists."  Previous posts have discussed autistic officeholders and political candidates in New York, Georgia, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Hannah Getahun at Business Insider reports that New York Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou is running for the US House and would be its first openly autistic member.

"I think we hear a lot of the first and only sometimes," Niou told Insider. "While it's an amazing thing, I think that what's more important is that there are people understanding that it's also a really lonely thing. And I think that it really is important to have representation because you need that lens to talk about everything in policy."

Niou, a progressive Democrat and Taiwanese immigrant who represents New York's 65th district, announced her run for Congress this year in a high-profile race against Bill de Blasio and Rep. Mondaire Jones.

Niou's diagnosis became well known after Refinery 29 published an article discussing it in 2020. After parents and kids reached out to her relating to her, she became aware of how talking openly about her autism helped to "drive away stigma."

Among full-time politicians, disabled Americans are underrepresented. People with disabilities make up 6.3% of federal politicians, compared to 15.7% of all adults in America who are disabled, research from Rutgers shows.

"People with disabilities cannot achieve equality unless they are part of government decision-making," said Lisa Schur in the 2019 Rutgers report.
...
"One of the things that I really like to say is when you put in a ramp, we're all less likely to trip," Niou said. "Consider one another, we all do better."