160 Comments
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KaijaJo's avatar

I breaks my heart they we have elected people so heartless who only appreciate human life If it’s an embryo-

Removing protections for disabilities, vaccines and basic human rights doesn’t make us a great country

Having $$ doesn’t make us great either

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Spence's avatar

Echoing this!

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Mary Barnes's avatar

Excellent article! As a retired Early Childhood educator I know first hand the difference that an IEP can make in children’s lives. I have already contacted my congresspersons about this but will make another call to each office today.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for your story, voice, service, and effort, Mary!

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Amos's avatar

All of us will become disabled in the end, if we are lucky enough to live that long. This is everybody’s fight.

(And even if it wasn’t, it’s just inherently right. We need to remember how to do things because they’re right, even if they never benefit us directly. But in this case, even selfish people should get on board.)

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Spence's avatar

Echoing your sentiments!

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Ivy's avatar

It’s crazy to me that they can just be like “you know what? Let’s make disabled people’s lives harder” like WHY

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Spence's avatar

Precisely. It's bigoted.

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The Neuro Spicy Feral Feminist's avatar

It’s just straight up completely selfish and self centered. It also show their lack of empathy for others.

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Steve's avatar

“Steve, just try a little harder. Focus a little more. You’ll get it.”

People all my life when I tell them I have memory and retention issues. ADHD. I don’t wish this on anyone, and I understand the need for extra help for some people. But my problem is at the bottom of the list. Disabilities that are more obvious get more attention.

I’m glad I didn’t vote in any race.

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Lydia laird's avatar

Well you didn’t vote so you are equally culpable for this mess.

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Steve's avatar

I would have voted straight republican. But I sat out, I have my reasons, and anyone who has a problem with it can go fornicate their mother or father. You’re not me and I’m not you.

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Gardenerguy's avatar

Yep, couldn't hide that fox news charm very long!

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Steve's avatar

And I’ll tell everyone to fuck off. Conservatives who say I should have voted, communists like yourself, and anti military libertarians as well. None of you on here know me. Most people cannot be put into a box.

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Gardenerguy's avatar

You just did!

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Lydia laird's avatar

Well hope you enjoy your inactions of a communist government

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Steve's avatar

And I don’t watch Fox News anymore. I barely follow the news.

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Alia MacStay's avatar

Thank you for this column. My daughter was able to get through school despite an excruciating medical condition because of Section 504.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for sharing your voice and story, Alia.

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Alia MacStay's avatar

I am glad to. Even impassioned by the need and duty to do so: we must resist.

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Alia MacStay's avatar

I accidentally posted before I was done. I want to add that I fully intend to contact my AG. Resist!

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for taking part in our collective duty to resist!

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Alia MacStay's avatar

Absolutely. Thank you for your writing and spreading the word about the new regime’s attack on disability rights.

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Spence's avatar

I’m working on an update once more is relevant to all of us.

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Vicki's avatar

In KS I contacted them for whatever it is worth. My hope is low but I'm still fighting.

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Spence's avatar

There is significant pushback in our collective resistance. Keep it up!

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Tim Hamill's avatar

I sent a letter to the California AG.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you, Tim!

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Bill Williamson's avatar

Thank you❣️ Thankfully California has vowed to protect the marginalized although some in our state government would like to revoke this promise.

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Spence's avatar

Other state's AG's can oppose the lawsuit via amicus brief. Let's urge them to do so!

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Cinthia Teague's avatar

Ty for the details. I was a SPED teacher. I know about this and have become very concerned about funding. Keep us updated.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for your commitment to a humbling and important profession.

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

Restacked and shared elsewhere.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. The spread of this critical information is working!

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Christina Louise Ball's avatar

My daughter has autism and other disabilities and has been on Medicaid since 2015. The group home she is in called me this morning, stating that her benefits were delayed until verification, and she wasn't also receiving VA benefits. While she isn't...what does that mean for those that are? They are coming for us in numerous ways, and we must fight back.

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Lisa Gallagher's avatar

I’m so sorry about the stress this must be causing when that is already a challenging situation. 💔

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Spence's avatar

I'm sorry this is happening Christina. In this fight for to eradicate or fend off these injustices.

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Bethany R.'s avatar

🌻 Thank you for sharing this important post, including some of the ways Section 504 has helped you as a student, adult, and parent.

I did contact my State A.G. (for the first time in my life).

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Spence's avatar

Thank you, Bethany. It is never too late to begin. <3

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MrsPort's avatar

Our country is only as great as the grace we give each other. We can not allow people who see differences in others as a defect, to be in office. Our differences are what make us stronger. Working together, makes us all stronger. Providing everyone with the opportunity to achieve their highest self, raises us all. Our goal as a country should be to meet people's abilities and disabilities wherever they are, with supports that provide a way for everyone to thrive.

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Spence's avatar

You've said it all! Yes!

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Jonya's avatar

I’ll pass this around my socials

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Spence's avatar

Thank you, Jonya!

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Sandy's avatar

Thank you for laying this out in such an understandable way. I taught elementary school for 35 years and saw firsthand how important a 504 Plan and/or an IEP was for so many students. These accommodations helped students find success and become confident learners. And, despite what some on the right want you to believe, these individual accommodations took nothing away from anyone else. These protections are crucial!!!

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for elevating this matter, Sandy!

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Kassi's avatar

It took me two years to get my disabled brother-in-law on SSI… it is an arduous process & many do not make the cut. I can’t imagine disabled people are now going to questioned and someone like Elon will decide if they are worthy of help. This is a suicide mission for our democracy.

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Spence's avatar

Aye, it's already rough to get what one needs and deserves. We need to protect what we have now and make progress continuously after that.

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Karen Wehman's avatar

Already called my AG Todd Rokita. (Who of course is under disciplinary review.). My grandson has CP. Actually answered the call.

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Spence's avatar

Thank you for making the call, Karen!

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