Statement from Karen Tamley, President & CEO of Access Living
The tragic aircraft disaster last evening in Washington D.C. sent a chill through our hearts and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the 67 lives that were lost.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, President Donald Trump held a press conference wherein he repeatedly blamed the fatal crash on DEI policies and recruiting initiatives aimed at hiring people with disabilities. This baseless claim perpetuates dangerous stereotypes about disabled workers—particularly those who have intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.
Bias and prejudice have had a deep and historical impact on disabled people’s pursuit of employment resulting financial loss to individuals, families, and our economy. We are vital members of the workforce who contribute our talents, commitment, and expertise to our jobs every day—to suggest otherwise undermines the merit, qualification, and integrity of disabled workers.
This harmful rhetoric scapegoats our community and as a nation we must demand and expect better from our elected leaders.
Access Living, an organization that is led by and for people with disabilities, remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing employment opportunities for our community and will continue to protect and advance the rights for all people with disabilities.