Democrats value the positive contributions of everyone — parents, children, workers, and entrepreneurs—and among us, there are approximately 57 million people in the United States with disabilities. Since the passage of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), led by many Democrats in Congress, disabled Americans have been able to more fully participate in our communities. We have come a long way since the ADA’s enactment, but there is still more we can do.

The Biden-Harris Administration took significant steps to achieve a more inclusive country for people with disabilities. Through quick policy action, this Administration has ensured disabled Americans are receiving resources and were included in key administrative proposals. Specifically, the Administration has:

Provided Billions of Dollars to Children and Adults with Disabilities. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan is the first COVID relief bill to include explicit provisions for people with disabilities. The American Rescue Plan provides states with billions in additional Medicaid funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS) for one year. The additional Medicaid funding will help expand access to home and community based services for people with disabilities as well as older adults and ensure that caregivers are fairly compensated for their work. The American Rescue Plan also provided direct support to students with disabilities and infants and toddlers with disabilities through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The provision provides $2.58 billion to elementary and secondary education students with disabilities, $200 million for preschool 2 students with disabilities, and $250 million for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

Increased Access to Democracy for Voters with Disabilities. Executive Order 14019 on Voting Access ensures people with disabilities can access key voting resources, requires an assessment of barriers to the right to vote independently and privately, and will help ensure that all Americans, including voters with disabilities, can exercise their right to vote.

Raised Wages for Federal Contractors to $15. In April 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors, including federal contractors with disabilities.

Increased Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations and Affirmed the Civil Rights of Americans with Disabilities in Vaccine Distribution. Agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services released funding and resources during the first 100 days to increase access for people with disabilities to the COVID-19 vaccine, provide guidance on discrimination when distributing the vaccine, and support best practices in vaccine access. The Administration for Community Living, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control, provided nearly $100 million in grants to help expand access. Additional resources include an overview of disability rights laws in vaccine distribution from the Office for Civil Rights and information from the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation on barriers to vaccine access faced by older adults who cannot leave their homes.

Provided Guidance to Support Workers with Disabilities. The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) released a series of information addressing how to access accommodations during the pandemic and sharing information for people who are newly identifying as having a disability due to COVID-19, including those identified as COVID-19 “long-haulers,” those who experience lingering symptoms after their initial recovery.

Democrats are proud to partner with Disabled activists in the fight for full integration and independence for Disabled Americans.