Disabilities
For 24 years now, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has secured for people with disabilities their most fundamental rights, and allowed them to integrate more fully in their communities. More than two decades ago, this legislation changed the attitudes of so many in order to protect the civil rights of the 54 million Americans with disabilities. Iowa is lucky to have such a champion for individuals with disabilities in Senator Harkin.
Expanding access and opportunities for people with disabilities is something we must work to improve every day. There are obstacles that, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, have been all but eliminated and I look forward to seeing even more progress.
Here are some ways Rep. Braley has been working on this important issue:
Cosponsor and Supporter of the Refueling Assistance Act
- Rep. Braley is a cosponsor of this bill, which directs the Department of Transportation to study motor vehicle refueling assistance to qualified individuals with disabilities and recommend feasible and cost-effective requirements on gas stations to improve refueling assistance.
Cosponsor and Supporter of the ABLE Act
- Rep. Braley is a cosponsor of this bill, which would establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts to assist an individual with a disability in building an account to pay for qualified disability expenses.
- This means individuals with disabilities would have a tax-free way to pay for so many of the expenses that are incurred due to a disability.
Defender of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Rep Braley is a strong supporter of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Over the years he has consistently defended the Act against those who seek to undermine it, and has worked to maintain and improve its funding.
Rehab and Access to Medical Care
- Rep Braley has led the charge in Congress against the so-called “Competitive Bidding” program, which threatens to limit access to wheelchairs and other medical equipment that are used by those with disabilities.
- Rep Braley has held hearings, introduced bills, led letters with over 220 bipartisan Members of Congress’ signatures, and taken every other action he can think of to try to end this program before it has a devastating impact on Iowa patients and providers.
- Rep Braley has also consistently supported efforts to improve access to rehabilitation services. He has fought for higher reimbursement for the providers of these services, which allows them to lower prices and encourages more providers to offer rehab services to Iowans.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Rep Braley has consistently defended the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and regularly tries to increase funding for that program.
“I’m Tyler” Congressional Work with Tyler Greene of Waterloo
- Rep. Braley proudly organized a reception in the U.S. Capitol for Tyler Greene of Waterloo, IA, to help spread Tyler’s message of Ability Awareness. You can learn more about Tyler, and view his video, at: http://imtyler.org/