01/31/2025
We are the best.
Not in spite of disability, but often because it is a part of us.
-- The Tennessee Disability Coalition of which Empower Tennessee is a Member
Americans with disabilities have brilliance, have talent, have skills. We have value. Often our experiences adapting to a world not made for us and to attitudes that question our value has honed a creativity and a resilience and a work ethic that benefits our careers and our places of business and our communities exponentially.
In a press conference today on the tragic D.C. plane crash last evening, the President questioned whether disability should disqualify us from certain jobs, stating that his administration wants only the best.
Our answer: We are the best. Not in spite of disability, but often because it is a part of us. It is false that disability is disqualifying. It is discrimination to discount us because of such false beliefs.
Hate speech hurts. To everyone in our community hurt by our President's statements, please know your value. You are part of a beautiful, rich community with a history of overcoming hate and low expectations. This community is strong and will persevere.