“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance,” Thomas Jefferson famously declared.
I’m writing this blog just hours before the election results roll in here in New Jersey. By the time many of you read this, our state will probably have a new governor-elect. If I could address the incoming governor, I would start with this: Do not forget us.
The disability population is the largest, most underserved, and most underrepresented community in America. We are voters. We are taxpayers. We are citizens. Yet, we are an afterthought, if thought of at all. Our needs are frequently sidelined in policy debates, treated as niche issues rather than fundamental human rights. This needs to change.
Our community is incredibly diverse. Disability comes in every skin color, every background, every walk of life. It touches families across all demographics, socio-economic statuses, and geographic locations. This means that disability rights are unequivocally human rights. They do not subscribe to any single political party, and our allegiance isn’t to a red or blue banner, but to the dignity of every person.
We stand for policies that genuinely support independence and self-determination, not those that inadvertently trap individuals in poverty or limit their potential. The disability experience is unique to the individual; a “one size fits all” approach simply does not work. We need policies crafted with nuance, understanding that what empowers one person may not work for another. We need legislation that respects the dignity of risk, allowing individuals to make choices, to learn, to contribute, and to live full, meaningful lives without fear of losing essential supports.
Many people with disabilities can and want to work. We want to contribute to our communities, to pay taxes, and to be active participants in the economy. Yet, current systems often create perverse disincentives, penalizing individuals who earn above a certain threshold by stripping away vital benefits like healthcare or personal care assistance. This traps people in a cycle of dependence when they desire nothing more than to be independent. Help us break these barriers. Help us contribute without fearing penalty. Help us be taxpayers, not perceived burdens.
Our community wants to contribute, not just consume resources. We seek opportunities, not charity. We demand respect, not pity. We are a vital part of New Jersey, and our voices deserve to be heard, our needs addressed, and our rights protected.
As the new administration takes shape, I urge them to remember Thomas Jefferson’s warning. The freedom and well-being of the disability community depend on constant vigilance from our leaders. We will be watching, advocating, and striving for a New Jersey where every citizen can thrive.
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