Disability Rights Policy Takes Center Stage In 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary

Here & Now‘s Tonya Mosley talks with Rebecca Cokley, director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress, about the major disability policies being discussed this election season and what the disability community is looking for in each candidates’ platform.

Transcript

Tonya Mosley: “Let’s start with Senator [Elizabeth Warren]. We know that she used to be a special education teacher. These are issues that she’s been very vocal about. Her plan has been particularly applauded. Tell us why.” 

Rebecca Cokley: “There’s a couple of reasons. I think first and foremost, you actually used the term special education. And I think that’s important to note because I think it highlights something unique about this election season. In particular, Senator Warren very early on in the campaign would refer to herself as a special needs teacher. And that sort of description is considered pretty offensive by people with disabilities. Our needs aren’t special. Our needs are the same as everybody else’s.