I wrote in on April 18 on as issue that is of the upmost concern to the disability community. I have circled back around to re-emphasize my concern. The issue is systematic bullying of people with disabilities. As I pointed out in my piece that ran on April 18, the bullying is being carried out through HR 620, ADA Education and Reform Act. This bill has a very unusual co-sponsor, U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo.
As I laid out in my piece that ran back in April, I have had a prosperous relationship with the congresswoman’s office over the years. Together we have challenged budget issues and we have proactively embarked on legislative priorities.
One of the legislative priorities that we set out to achieve is when Ms. Speier wished to introduce the Children with Special Needs Bullying Prevention and Awareness Act. This bill in my estimation would have been a worthy piece of legislation.
This legislation included education around bullying not just geared to the victim; but also to the aggressor to educate them on how their actions affect the victim.
If the congresswoman in good faith wished to prevent bullying to our youth with disabilities, why does she seem to support systemic bullying to people with disabilities of all ages. If we can educate youth on the negatives of bullying, why can’t we do the same with business owners? The congresswoman has stood with us before, why not now? No on HR 620.
The letter writer is a systems change advocate with the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities
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