Biden’s Plan for Combating Ableism
Ableism is entrenched in today’s society, especially under the Trump administration. In an environment where people with disabilities are frequently faced with oppression, how will a Joe Biden administration reform this inequality?
Donald Trump has used ableist rhetoric numerous times and continues to ignore the reform of ableist systems we desperately need. Trump’s attacks against teenager Greta Thunberg are a clear example. Thunberg is a young climate change activist with autism working to promote environmental reform. Trump tweeted in December of 2019, “So ridiculous. Greta must work on her anger management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!” Although this is not a blatant attack on Greta Thunberg’s autism, it is an insensitive statement with evident sexist, ageist, and ableist implications. In another case, the Department of Education attempted to eliminate the 18 million dollar budget allocated to the Special Olympics. This is a direct attack on people with disabilities, as the Special Olympics not only gives those with disabilities an opportunity to get athletic training but also works to de-stigmatize those with disabilities and fight ableism. Trump’s persistent attacks against Obamacare also undercut healthcare protections for people with disabilities.
In contrast, Joe Biden has two plans aimed at ensuring equality for people with disabilities. One includes general policy and the other targets COVID-19’s attacks against people with disabilities. His general plan has multiple tactics addressing much-needed equality for those with disabilities. In order to include the voices of those with disabilities in the creation of all policy, Biden will appoint an official in the White House “dedicated to disability community engagement and policy coordination.” This official will work directly with people with disabilities, along with organizations fighting against ableism, and other stakeholders in the movement. Biden’s plan will also continue to enforce civil rights legislation which protects people with disabilities such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Fair Housing Act. This will include pushing for more compliance with the ADA, nominating judges who value people with disabilities, and ordering the U.S. Department of Justice to review guardianship laws. Within the enforcement of these acts, Biden also stresses the importance of protecting people with intersectional discrimination, such as people of color with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities. Biden also plans on protecting people with disabilities in the criminal justice system and immigrants with disabilities.
A critical part of his plan addresses economic injustice by ending the subminimum wage employers can legally give workers with disabilities. It will also increase the benefits people with disabilities can receive through the Supplemental Security Income program. In order to ensure education for people with disabilities from a young age, Biden will ensure affordable child care for children and parents with disabilities, expand quality education programs for children with disabilities, fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, support students with disabilities in elementary, middle, and high school, and expand programs which help people with disabilities find employment after schooling.
Many people with disabilities are at a higher risk of becoming infected with coronavirus, especially those in care facilities. In response to this challenge, Biden’s plan would enforce non-discrimination protections for those with disabilities in existing civil rights acts, specifically in the expansion of health care facilities for the pandemic. Due to the higher susceptibility in those who require group home or community services, Biden plans to pass the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act. This provides funding for the state expansion of these programs, along with supporting them specifically during COVID-19. Another key component of protecting people with disabilities during the pandemic is to expand and protect access to Medicaid. This would include temporarily increasing funding for more resources and ensuring quicker enrollment in Medicaid at the state level. The plan also works to expand and ensure access to mental health programs, by creating priority coronavirus testing for mental health professionals and expanding telemental health services and same-day appointments. In the face of the pandemic’s mandated online learning, the plan would also ensure that the diverse learning needs of students are included within the virtual learning. Biden also wishes to address the homelessness issue disproportionately affecting those with disabilities by passing the Ending Homelessness Act.
Given the constant attacks and challenges faced by people with disabilities, especially during the pandemic, a Joe Biden administration offers hope for ensuring equality and combating ableism in today’s society.
