Hearing focuses on inclusion of disability community in PA

Hearing held as part of 2024 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 10, 2024 | 5:16 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10 – As part of Rep. Joe Hohenstein’s 2024 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit, the House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing to explore ways to ensure Pennsylvania is more inclusive for those living with disabilities.

“I included this legislative policy hearing as part of my annual disability summit so leaders and advocates from the disability community could meet with members of the House to have a conversation on the issues that they see facing the societies, how those issues impact the disability community, and how the community can help contribute to the solutions,” said Hohenstein, who represents portions of Philadelphia County. “As a member of the disabled community myself, I know it’s important to use my position to help drive change in Harrisburg.”

Testimony at Thursday’s hearing focused on the lack of inclusion people in the disabled community face each day. State Sen. Christine Tartaglione, who represents portions of Philadelphia County, has required the use of a wheelchair since 2003. She testified that people with disabilities face barriers to education, healthcare, employment, social inclusion.

“Disability is not a limitation. It is a part of human diversity. Just as our world is enriched by different backgrounds, it’s also enriched by the experiences of people with disabilities,” said Tartaglione. “It is so important that our society embrace this diversity and ensure that every individual, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive differences, is given the same opportunities.”

Testifiers also told members of the committee that people living with disabilities still have trouble accessing public transportation, public buildings, and other everyday services, something other people don’t worry about. They recommended that lawmakers help foster a culture of acceptance and understanding, advocate for accessible environments, support policies and promote equity for the disabled community in Pennsylvania.

The hearing, titled “Disability Voices Matter,” was held in the press room at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. It featured testimony from state Sen. Christina Tartaglione (D-Phila.); Neil McDevitt, Mayor of the Borough of North Wales, Pa; Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Associate Director of Policy for the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University; Chuck Horton, President Emeritus of Disability Pride PA; and Vicki Landers, Executive Director of Disability Pride PA.

The full hearing can be viewed here.