YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

Deborah McFadden

Voting is a right of all Americans, but too few are exercising that right.

According to the US Census Bureau, 67% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2020 presidential election, but 62% of people with disabilities voted.

An analysis by the Election Assistance Commission found that if people with disabilities had voted at the same rate as people without disabilities, there would have been about 1.75 million more voters.

“One in four people have a disability. It’s the largest minority voting bloc in America. It is even bigger when you consider the family, friends, and caregivers,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“Our voices have been heard.

But if we were even more active — as voters and as advocates pressing for inclusion — we would have a huge voice that could positively impact many things.”