Meet the Candidates 2024 Summary
Thanks to all those who participated in the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s Meet the Candidates event! We invited both Democrats and Republicans running for Utah's national offices and the office of Utah governor to field questions regarding disability in education, employment, accessibility, mental health and disability rights. (Full videos of the interviews and interview questions appear below.)
Highlights and full videos:
Brian King, Democrat, for Utah Governor
"I would love to have ... individuals who have experience themselves with disabilities serving in my cabinet, serving as close advisors, serving in a way that ensures and will ensure that I continue to make, to have policies and act and speak in a way that's close to the ground and close to the hearts and minds of people who are living with disabilities in our state."Caroline Gleich, Democrat, for U.S. Senate
"I really believe ... that everybody deserves a quality education. And so expanding programs and ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access is incredibly important. ... Accommodation and accessibility can look very different, depending on the person."
Bill Campbell, Democrat, for Representative of Congressional Dist. 1
"I think in terms of the policy changes, whether that's the Affordable Care Act or other items, mental health has to be given the same level of regard as physical health. By that I mean the same level of coverage, treatment, understanding. ... Right now, many of the insurance programs are deficient in terms of covering mental health."Nathaniel Woodward, Democrat, for Congressional Dist. 2
"In order to serve all of Utah, we need to particularly serve the most vulnerable people in the state. ... And what you see is all those vulnerable groups kind of funnel down into and towards the disability community. ... We need to look at our organizations that advocate for people with disabilities… and ask them, what do you see are the biggest problems affecting your community?"
Questions:
- As a candidate representing all Utahns, please share with us your vision and/or mission on how you plan to serve the people of Utah including those with disabilities.
- Many students in Utah take advantage of programs such as Career and Technical Education, college-readiness preparation, and internships. However, students with disabilities are largely excluded from these programs, despite being able to participate in them if provided with the proper supports. How will you ensure students with disabilities have equal access to the same programs and opportunities as their non-disabled peers?
- Currently, data shows that individuals with any disability in Utah have a community-based employment rate of 53% compared to the overall employment rate of 78% for all Utahns (as cited by the American Community Survey, 2021). Many Utahns with disabilities can and want to work, but don’t have access to the supports necessary to find and retain employment. How will you work to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Utah, ensuring they receive the necessary supports and accommodations for job success?"
- Accessible infrastructure is critical to Utahn’s with disabilities in order to live, work, and participate in their communities. Increased access in areas such as public transportation, sidewalks, buildings, and physical or online information will allow for greater community integration for Utahns. How will you help our state and community be more supportive of people with disabilities and their families?
- A recent report from the IDRPP shows that 61% of Utahn’s with intellectual and developmental disabilities also have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis. However, mental health services in Utah are not currently accessible for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. How will you address the mental health needs of Utahn’s with disabilities, particularly those in rural areas?
- People with disabilities are often excluded or segregated from the community at large due to stereotypes, misconceptions, and sometimes fear from people without disabilitie In fact, in June 2024, the U.S. Dept. of Justice issued a letter to the State of Utah citing that it is in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act due to Utah’s ongoing segregation of individuals with disabilities in services, supports, and employment programs. How can we, as a society, better support the inclusion of people with disabilities in our communities?