Hayes Introduces Resolution Declaring Federal Support For Americans With Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) introduced a resolution reaffirming federal support of the Americans with Disabilities Act and legislation instructing publicly-funded infrastructure projects to be made fully accessible to all. This effort not only recognizes the barriers people with disabilities face daily but makes accessibility a guiding principle for future policy. With more than 1 in 4 adults, or more than 70 million people, living with a disability, improved accessibility is necessary. Congresswoman Hayes and Senator Blumenthal have introduced similar resolutions in previous Congressional sessions. The resolution aligns U.S. policy with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a widely supported international treaty ratified by over 85% of United Nations member states. The Convention recognizes global disability across various areas, including infrastructure design, communications, and accessibility. “Making government buildings accessible to all Americans should always be our standard. This resolution acknowledges that existing law falls short and policy can intervene to improve the lives of those with disabilities,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes . “Persons living with disabilities should not have to worry about access to federally funded spaces. They deserve equal protection under the law, and I remain committed to legislative efforts that make that a reality.” The Delcaring Federal Support for Americans with Disabilities Resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Wesley Bell (MO-01), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), John Mannion (NY-22), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24) The legislation is endorsed by The Arc, Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), Family Voices, the National Black Disability Coalition, and the United States International Council on Disabilities. The resolution builds on efforts by Congresswoman Hayes to support Americans living with disabilities. In February, Congresswoman Hayes led her colleagues in writing to the Department of Justice requesting an update on efforts to adopt Public Rights-Of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Congresswoman Hayes has also championed legislation to phase out subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and advocated for increased funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for eligible persons with disabilities. Read the Delcaring Federal Support for Americans with Disabilities Resolution here .