Disability rights

Note: This page is a reproduction of the Hillary for America policy proposal on disability rights. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a tremendous step forward: It opened educational opportunities, expanded transportation, made sure everyone can enter buildings, and ensured that no one would be turned down for a job because of a disability. Hillary Clinton is committed to realizing the promise of the ADA and continuing to expand opportunity for the 50 million Americans living with a disability—because we’re stronger together.

As president, Hillary will:

• Work to fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Expand support for Americans with disabilities to live in integrated community settings.
• Improve access to meaningful, gainful employment for people with disabilities.
• Provide tax relief to help the millions of families caring for aging relatives or family members with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Hillary has spent her life fighting for the rights of Americans with disabilities.

• Hillary’s first job out of law school was with the Children’s Defense Fund, and one of her first tasks was going door to door to figure out why so many children were missing school. She found that many parents were not sending their children to school because schools did not accommodate disabilities. The evidence she gathered was presented to Congress, and it helped build the case for the passage of the law that ensures all children with disabilities have access to school.
• As secretary of state, Hillary worked to build strong support for the United States to join the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. But despite a broad, bipartisan coalition, the Republican-controlled Senate blocked its passage.
• Today, Hillary recognizes that there is still much work to do, including improving access to meaningful and gainful employment, as well as housing in integrated community settings, for people with disabilities. Too many Americans with disabilities continue to be left out of the workforce, and for those who are employed, too many are in under-stimulating jobs that don’t fully allow them to use their talents. And too many end up having to live in separate facilities when they should have the opportunity to live at home and be in their communities.
• As a presidential candidate, Hillary has been proud to partner with the disabilities community. She’s stood up to those who bully and belittle Americans with disabilities—and she will continue to champion their rights as president.