Dear Readers & Supporters:

The results of this election will have far-reaching impacts on the programs and services that my disability community relies upon. The heavy tax cuts prioritized by the incoming presidential administration and Congress will come with a price. Something will pay. And, if history serves, the programs that support disabled adults and disabled children are the easiest and most-likely target for these cuts. The most vulnerable always suffer in times like these. Disabled people like me are deeply frightened about what will happen in the coming years. For us, it’s about survival— and living independently in our communities and having access to support services. Others have the privilege to vote on the price of eggs, which candidate is more “Christian,” which candidate allows them to buy 7 guns they don’t need, which candidate they think “loves America more,” or which candidate will protect them from supposed boogeymen that eat cats & dogs. But, we disabled people have to worry about a budget cut that means we only get to go to the bathroom twice a day, instead of three or four times. Or, figuring out what to do when the program that provides the meals that fit our specific nutritional needs is slashed to give a tax cut to those that don’t need it.

Disabled children and disabled adults must not be sacrificed in political storms.

To that end, I have attached a copy of the note that I will be sending to all my elected representatives in the coming days/weeks/months. If you want to be part of this advocacy effort, feel free to borrow from it for your own outreach purposes. Your support is appreciated and needed.

Here is a link to find your specific elected officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

---

LETTER SAMPLE

As your constituent, I am writing to affirm your commitment to support and defend the rights and care of disabled Americans. I was born with a severe neuromuscular disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The heavy tax cuts prioritized by the incoming presidential administration and legislatures WILL come with a price. If history serves, the programs that support disabled adults and disabled children are the easiest and most-likely target for these cuts. The most vulnerable always suffer in times like these, but you have a duty to look after our interests. The disability community must not fall victim, as they have in the past, to political whims and selfish agendas that often leave us behind.

I ask that you pledge to safeguard priority funding for Medicare, Medicaid, in-home supportive services, public education, DDS regional centers, and supplemental nutrition programs (including medically-tailored meals). These services are vital to our disability community and we are deeply frightened about what will happen in the coming years. Our lives are in your hands. We have a right to live safely and independently in our communities.

I hope you take these words to heart. We are a large and diverse community of disabled adults, disabled children, loving families, and supportive allies. We are ready to make our voices heard.

Please don’t let us down.

Thank you.