Disability rights are being systematically dismantled
Wishing everything happening was just an April Fools joke.
Hello.
This administration is a joke, and not the April Fools kind. And yet, everything that's happening is not a joke. It's deeply frightening.
In March, the administration rescinded 11 pieces of guidance on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act under the guise that it will "combat the cost-of-living crisis."
Now, I'm no economist, but it's certainly not accessibility that's creating a financial crisis. But this administration is creating crises by systematically dismantling human rights.
As that happens, we need to be mindful of how we're communicating. How we talk shapes how we think, and now more than ever, how we think makes a difference.
This is particularly important to remember in light of a recent comment made by Representative Jasmine Crockett about Governor Greg Abbott (who uses a wheelchair): "Y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there. Come on now...And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot ass mess, honey."
It's not really a major story or even a particularly offensive comment in the grand scheme of things, to be sure.
That said, words do matter. Now is the time to punch down at policies, not physical attributes, no matter how much we disagree with someone. (And believe me, I abhor Abbott.) I had the chance to chat with a reporter about this for Politico and elaborated on my thoughts here.
On a related note, last month, I had the opportunity to be in the VIP area at the New York Stock Exchange. And it served as a reminder of the ways in which disabled people are never fully integrated into the inner workings of our society. More on that here on my LinkedIn.
Or, for a more humorous take on what's happening in the world, here's an Instagram reel I made for International Women's Day about words we're apparently not allowed to say anymore. If we don't laugh, we cry.
What I'm Watching
If you're feeling defeated and searching for a source of reinvigoration, I highly recommend watching the new documentary "Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act," directed by Jim LeBrecht, who was behind "Crip Camp." It traces disability rights history leading up to the passage of the ADA, shining a spotlight on leaders of the movement.
I got a bit emotional by the end, reflecting on how far we've come, and yet we're still fighting the same fights (if not worse ones right now) over and over again. But watching was also such a powerful reminder that speaking up really, truly does make a difference.
What do you recommend I watch next? You can reply to this email! Looking for past recommendations or critiques? Click here for past issues of my newsletter.
Disability Around the Interwebs
Trump’s Trying to Gut Libraries: Fight Back with American Library Association (an email template you can use to advocate, because access to information and culture is absolutely a disability issue)
Tell Congress: Oppose Destroying the Department of Education (another helpful email template you can use)
Why a Department of Education closure is concern for students with disabilities
The ADA Is Turning 35—And It’s in Trump’s Crosshairs
I’m disabled. I’m terrified about what Medicaid cuts could mean for my life
Disabled Americans fear losing protections if states’ lawsuit succeeds
Rights of Federal Employees with Disabilities, Explained
How the Disability Community Can Fight Back in 2025
450+ Organizations Join AAPD In Letter to Congress re: Dept. of Health and Human Services Restructuring
The WebAIM Million: 2025 report on the accessibility of the top 1,000,000 home page
I'm a Disabled Woman. Is That My Brand? (Rebekah's writing always strikes a chord with me)
Let's Demystify Disability Together!
If you've ever wondered about the vibes and passion I aim to bring when I speak, check out the video below! You can see me in action, learn more about what drives my work, and get a preview of topics I love to talk about.
But here's the reality: I know DEI budgets are drying up, and resources are scarce. Even so, I continue to hope that companies and organizations won't succumb to the pressures of the government.
If budget allows, I'd love to join your community (either virtually or in-person) and support you in creating a safe space for open, honest conversation about a range of disability-related topics. Please reach out and let's make it happen!
Until next month, keep on wheelin’ on!
💖
-Emily