The Arc released the following statement about the 2020 Presidential
election:
“This was an historic election given the challenges our
nation faces, and voters turned out in record numbers to make their choice
about our future. While people with disabilities still face far too many
barriers to accessing the right to vote, including physical obstacles and state
laws that prohibit some people with disabilities from voting, millions persevered
amidst health and safety concerns to exercise their right. Their votes counted, as did the votes of
their family members, friends and supporters.
“While the election is over, our nonpartisan advocacy
continues at the local and state levels, in the halls of Congress, at the
Supreme Court, and will continue in 2021 with the Biden Administration.
“We are still in the COVID-19 crisis. This virus has disproportionately
impacted people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their
families, and direct support professionals.
“People with disabilities have died from COVID-19. They have
faced discriminatory medical policies and practices. Lives have been
interrupted, inclusion in the community has been snatched away. Their family
members, who were already taking on the majority of caregiving
responsibilities, have taken on even more, in many instances disrupting their
own lives. And the dedicated direct support professionals have dealt with challenges
in protecting health and safety without the necessary protective equipment.
“These impacts are still with us today and will be until our
country gets this virus under control and policies in place that meet the needs
of people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. We also must
continue to address the many injustices that people with disabilities experience
on a day-to-day basis.
“In just a few days, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case
that threatens to undo all the progress we made with the Affordable Care Act. Access
to consistent and reliable healthcare is critical for individuals with disabilities,
and the law created much-needed reforms to health insurance, addresses systemic
discrimination, and expands coverage.
“We must address the high unemployment rates of people with
disabilities and the economic insecurity too many families and individuals
face. We have to support families as they struggle with caregiving
responsibilities by implementing inclusive paid leave.
“There still is a lot of work to do and, just as The Arc has done
throughout our 70-year history, we will not rest until the humanity and needs
of people with disabilities are respected,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.
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