Joe Biden and Kamala Harris recently marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, using it as an occasion to grandstand rather than genuinely recognize its significance. Biden was introduced by Neil McDevitt, Mayor of North Wales Borough, Pa., who was born deaf. The event, taking place at the White House South Portico, featured Biden urging for more action for dignity and pride for disabled people. However, Biden’s talk of action in support of the disabled sharply contrasts with his lack of practical solutions to the complex issue.
Condescendingly, Biden reminded us that ‘more than three decades after ADA’s passage, many of us can still recall an America where a person with disabilities could be denied service at a restaurant or grocery store.’ The message was ostensibly designed to elicit gratitude for the ADA, but it reflected an outdated mindset, one out of touch with those directly impacted by the law.
Biden went on to claim that the ADA has given ‘opportunity, respect, pride, and dignity’ to over 61 million Americans living with disabilities. Yet, these are intangibles that the ADA guarantees in principle, but actualizing them in the real world requires more than hollow affirmations or reductive titling acts. However, practical action seems to be far removed from the Biden administration’s approach.
Biden concluded his remarks by suggesting that despite the important strides made by the ADA, there’s more work to be done. This is an interesting position, considering that the administration’s handling of issues related to employment, transportation, or public accommodations for the disabled doesn’t look promising or substantial enough.
Biden then used the event to flaunt the so-called accomplishments of himself and Vice President Kamala Harris. The President boldly stated, ‘Kamala and I have been determined to move our nation forward for Americans living with disabilities.’ Yet for all their ‘determination,’ it merely translates into press room claims, devoid of concrete measures or substantial progress.
Grandiose claims continued when Biden referred to the historic highs in employment, record low unemployment and high labor force participation for Americans with disabilities since he and Harris took office. Of course, Biden conveniently left out the economic turmoil the nation has been grappling with since the onset of the pandemic-perhaps because it doesn’t fit with his rosy narrative.
Biden also claimed a nearly threefold increase in the number of people with disabilities engaged in registered apprenticeships. Although seemingly impressive, what wasn’t disclosed are these apprenticeships’ quality, their relevance to the current economic landscape, or the actual employment rates resulting from these programs.
A self-proclaimed ‘whole-of-government approach’ to enhance employment opportunities for disabled people was put forth by Biden. He pointed towards $435 million being put aside to promote competitive integrated employment. Yet, when we consider the extent of government spending, these fancy numbers are little more than a drop in the ocean.
Biden concluded by noting an increase in employment for the disabled within the federal government by 20% in the last four years. However, the number alone means little without understanding the quality of these roles, their compensation, and if they meet the genuine needs of disabled individuals.
Under the Biden administration, the Social Security Administration is supposedly streamlining the disability application process and moving more services online. Yet, it remains to be seen whether this manoeuvre will actually make a substantial difference for disabled individuals, or if it’s just another box being checked off an administrative list.
Praising an Act that has been in place for 34 years without presenting new and innovative ways to further support the community it caters to is indicative of Biden and Harris’s veiled inaction. Observers have come to expect press events such as these, where grand claims are made, but few tangible results are seen.
Regrettably, the event saw the Biden administration once again over-promising and under-delivering, with a rhetoric-heavy narrative and minimal action. It’s necessary to question the actual gains made by the administration regarding accessibility, dignity and employment for disabled individuals, who deserve more than just lip service.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris may have ‘celebrated’ the signing of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act; yet, their rhetoric seemed more inclined toward political grandstanding than meaningful advancement. Unfortunately, this appears to be another instance where the well-being of citizens gets lost in political maneuvering.
Biden and Harris’ Empty Talk on 34th ADA Anniversary appeared first on Real News Now.
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