Kevin Blanchette

Honorable Representatives, It is our responsibility as a society to support all of our neighbors in being able to engage fully in their communities without discrimination. Morally, we cannot call ourselves civilized if we continue to discriminate others based on their ability level. It is a core value of our state that we are respectful of the freedom of others. Not tackling discrimination in a meaningful way allows the infringement of our citizens freedoms. Our neighbors with disabilities are also valuable members of our society, and strong assets when they are allowed to fully participate. As a mental health provider in this state, who works with people who have a disability, I have seen firsthand people have their disability used against them. I have even seen mental health agencies use a persons disability to downplay their need and ability to have their mental health addressed. However, when treated as a person, I have consistently seen people handle normal life situations, excel at school and work, and engage meaningfully in their relationships. These people are very important parts of our communities, and supporting them results in them contributing to our society and economy. Relying solely on the federal government to ensure this protection is foolish and deflects the responsibility we have as a state to protect our citizens way of life. While the government continues to divest from protecting the rights of people with disabilities, they are making it clear that they expect states to take this responsibility on. If we do not act now, real lives will continue to be impacted. Please stay true to our friends in this state and protect them from discrimination. Thank You, Kevin Blanchette