Day: February 13, 2018

The Republican Party And Donald Trump War On The Disabled

The Republican Party of 2018 has become an extremist right wing party, unwilling to put any limits on the corruption and mean spirited nature of President Donald Trump.

Not only have they declared war on immigrants, women, workers, consumers, environmentalists, minority groups, and gays and lesbians, but even have sunk ever lower by attacking the disabled.

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act), which opened up new opportunities and optimism for the future of people with intellectual and physical disabilities, tens of millions of people of all ages, who just wanted a chance to be productive in work and have access to public places.

But now, the Republican majority has introduced H. R. 620, also known as the “ADA Notification”, which would fundamentally change the structure of the ADA and would eliminate any reason for businesses to comply with the law unless and until they receive a legal notice detailing the violations that have occurred. The measure places the burden of ensuring compliance on people with disabilities rather than on businesses. It would make it harder for people with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of society. And already, even with the law, many disabled people live in poverty and are discriminated against in gaining and keeping jobs.

It is part of making business unaccountable to the population they employ and serve. It is unconscionable, immoral and unethical, but is part of the war going on against vulnerable populations, with an uncaring Republican Party unconcerned about the effects on millions of people who just want fairness and equity in opportunities to feel self worth.