Jim Langevin: “Earlier this week, I led my Democratic and Republican colleagues in introducing legislation to eliminate discrimination…”

“Earlier this week, I led my Democratic and Republican colleagues in introducing legislation to eliminate discrimination against parents and guardians with disabilities. Together with Representatives Bass, Bacon, Fitzpatrick, and Lawrence, I introduced the Equality for Families with Disabilities Act, just 2 weeks before the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today, there are 4.1 million parents with disabilities raising families here in the United States. Yet, parents and guardians with disabilities face excessive scrutiny and disproportionate targeting for unwarranted intervention from child welfare agencies. The research is clear: Children raised by parents with disabilities do not exhibit stunted development or worse outcomes than their peers. In fact, the opposite is true. Children raised by parents with disabilities demonstrate greater compassion, tolerance, problem-solving skills, and other positive characteristics. Mr. Speaker, it is time to end discrimination against parents and guardians in State child welfare proceedings once and for all. Thirty-two years since Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this urgent legislation. ____________________”