The White House has released several statements and fact sheets outlining the new administration’s priorities. Notably, terms such as “disability,” “disabled,” and “accessibility” are nearly absent from these communications. This raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of the approximately 61 million Americans living with disabilities. Given that one in four Americans has a disability, it is imperative to question: How dedicated is President Trump to advancing initiatives that impact this significant portion of the population? The absence of explicit references to disability-related issues in recent executive actions, other than the recession of our latest advancements, prompts further examination of the administration’s stance on inclusivity and support for disabled individuals.
Connecting the Inaugural Address to Broader Disability Concerns
President Trump’s inaugural address set the tone for the new administration’s approach to governance, with a focus on “merit-based” principles and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This framework has direct ties to executive orders targeting DEI programs, gender policies, in-person work mandates, aviation reforms, and the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Together, these actions raise critical concerns for people with disabilities.
WHO Withdrawal and Global Health Equity
The decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization removes the United States from global conversations about disability inclusion in health initiatives. WHO programs focused on accessibility, assistive technology, and pandemic preparedness are critical for people with disabilities. This withdrawal isolates the U.S. and hinders progress in addressing global health disparities that disproportionately affect disabled individuals.
DEI Rollbacks and the Disability Community
The elimination of DEI initiatives from federal agencies and private sector compliance requirements signals a shift that could erode progress for marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. The lack of tailored policies risks sidelining efforts to address barriers in employment, education, and healthcare. The inauguration’s emphasis on meritocracy ignores how systemic inequalities continue to impact disabled individuals.
Aviation Reforms and Accessibility
The focus on merit and efficiency in aviation reforms has largely ignored the unique needs of travelers with disabilities. Previous advancements, such as fines for airline mistreatment and improved accessibility requirements for lavatories, may now face rollback or stagnation. Disabled travelers already face significant barriers, and the administration’s limited focus on inclusive policies compounds these struggles.
In-Person Work and Disability Employment
The administration’s directive for federal employees to return to in-person work undermines gains in disability employment made during the pandemic. Remote work created opportunities for people with disabilities to enter and thrive in the workforce without facing physical or environmental barriers. By removing flexibility, the administration risks exacerbating unemployment and further marginalizing disabled workers.
Gender Policies and Intersectional Impacts
Executive orders addressing “gender ideology extremism” highlight how targeted attacks on one marginalized group reverberate through others. Disabled individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may face compounded challenges due to restrictive policies. The inaugural focus on a “return to biological truth” raises questions about whether intersectionality will be acknowledged at all under this administration.
A Call for Unity and Advocacy
The inaugural address and subsequent executive orders underscore the importance of unity and action within the disability community. As the administration reshapes federal priorities, it is critical to remain vigilant and advocate for policies that preserve and expand accessibility, inclusion, and equity, and it’s essential to monitor how these specific principles are implemented to ensure they don’t undermine disability rights or accessibility initiatives. The disability community must come together to demand progress, ensure accountability, and uphold the rights fought for by generations before us.
What does pulling out of the World Health Organization (WHO) mean for people with disabilities?