Georgianna Henry

These disability civil rights matter so much to me, because I have two children with autism and two disabled elderly parents who are the most innocent and vulnerable humans that that need these protections in place to make sure they are treated fairly and have an equal chance in life. Being able to receive services in their communities keeps them with their families/loved ones and in a setting that is best for their protection and quality of life. Making sure their rights are enforced in state-funded institutions such as educational settings is of utmost importance to me, because I have seen first hand how easily disabled children can be discriminated against, and without these laws in place to protect them, people in power can treat them unjustly without fear of repercussions... This causes a cascade of negative effects on their lives and futures not only relating to mental-health, but to the opportunities they have access to for success as individuals in our community... Allowing discrimination without repercussion also affects their care-takers and family members mental health and leaves a feeling of hopelessness in a state that is supposed to be built upon equal rights. This vulnerable population needs our protection. Even those who aren't born with a disability could one day get affected by an unfortunate event that leaves them disabled- it could be any one of us- we are ALL affected by the passing of this bill, and I am in full support of it.