VP Harris Scores No Points With Comments about Disabled Americans

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a virtual town hall on Thursday talking about the care provisions of the Build Back Better agenda. During the presentation, Harris spoke about letting disabled Americans participate in society, and her remarks did not go over well.

A woman whose brother receives public care shared her experience working through the Medicare system. She voiced frustration with Medicare not funding some long-term services and the years-long waiting lists for elderly people who need Medicaid-home services. The woman was thrilled with the Biden agenda, which includes investments for access to home- and community-based care and increased pay for the workers.

Her one question was, “What can people—members of the disability community, like Chris and our family, expect to see from the administration through the Build Back Better Agenda in this space?”

Kamala chuckled and responded, “So, everybody probably knows, but HCBS is the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program. And at the heart of it, the point is—and this is why Build Back Better is going to put more resources into that—is that we should allow people with disabilities to fully participate in society. That should be the goal—our collective goal.”

Disabled Americans were quick to criticize her flippant response. Zelda Gabriel tweeted, “I’m angry that Kamala literally said ‘we should allow people with disabilities to fully participate in society,’ as if I need permission from others, whether in the federal government or otherwise, to be apart [sic] of society. F*** that.”

 

Follow Sarah Abrams:  Gettr   Instagram

Follow Tatum Report:  Gettr   Instagram   Twitter   Facebook

Join The Discussion

Related Posts
Total
49
Share