Esoteric Danni.

me:

“This whole “inclusion rider” thing? Scientist men can do this too. “I’d love to speak on your panel. If the panel isn’t 50% women, then I’ll pass and I can recommend some women for my slot.”

[ Image description: A graphic with white letters on a yellow, pink, purple, and blue gradient background. It says “Help protect American’s with disabilities. #HandsOffMyADA #StopHR620″ End description. ]

What is happening?

The bill H.R. 620 has just passed the House of Representatives and is on its way to the Senate for approval. If this bill gets put in place, it will prioritize the “rights” of businesses/corporations above the rights and health needs of those with disabilities. It basically strips away most of the rights given to us under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It switches the responsibility of ensuring ADA compliance from businesses and the government to those with disabilities.

Right now, business must comply to ADA accessibility guidelines, or they can face a lawsuit. If H.R. 620 were to be passed, that is no longer the case. We must officially request accessibility from the business owner by writing in. It is only after 180 days (that is about 6 months for those wondering) have passed that we are allowed to take legal action against them.

No other civil rights law requires such a long wait in order to legally object to discrimination.

This bill sends a very clear message: To the government, people with disabilities having access to the same places and resources and information as everyone else is not a right, but a privilege. Inaccessibility does not matter to them. We do not matter to them.

How can I help?

Call your senators. If you aren’t sure what to say, you can access a script to read from by clicking here. This page also automatically finds the name and number for your senator, as well as the name of your city by using location services (if available). It inserts this information into the script as well.

Write a letter to your senators. You can use the script in the previous link for this as well.

If you are able to, attend or organize a local protest or rally. Especially if you are able-bodied, as many of us with disabilities are either unable to attend, or face extreme discrimination and inhumane treatment at such events.

Reblog this post. Or make your own (either here or on other sites). Flood the hashtags. Get this trending. Tell others. Spread the word, any way you can. Do not stop fighting to be heard.

Where can I learn more?

Click here to be taken to the official congress web page for H.R. 620. You will be able to view a summary of the bill, the bill’s full text, a list of actions taken for the bill, and the bill’s current status. You can also sign up for alerts so you can stay on top of any changes.

Click here to view a summary of of facts about the bill, and reasons to oppose H.R. 620.