Even though the presidential candidate who had made people with disabilities a priority during her campaign did not win, there was much to be celebrated on Election Night for this community.
Last week a poll was released spotlighting voters’ support for candidates who keep a high priority on making sure children with disabilities get education and training for job and career opportunities. There are 35 million people with disabilities that are eligible to vote, making up one sixth of all voters.
RespectAbility, a nonprofit organization that works to push forward opportunities for citizens with disabilities, reached out to the presidential, gubernatorial, and Senate candidates this year with a questionnaire regarding topics related to the disability community. Forty candidates filled out the survey, from both Democrat and Republican parties. The respondents came from across the country, showing the importance of rights for people with disabilities and this community in the electoral process.
