As the U.S. averted default with approval of a last-minute compromise plan to raise the ceiling on the nations $14.3 trillion debt while cutting spending and certain entitlement programs, National Disability Institute brought its economic empowerment agenda for people with disabilities to Capitol Hill on Aug. 2 as host of the 2nd Annual Disability Economic Advancement Policy Forum. Joined by congressional representatives as well as disability and asset development organizations at the Rayburn House Office Building, National Disability Institute made the compelling case that now, amid fiscal reform legislation, is the time to address and remedy the enforced poverty of the majority of Americans with disabilities.
“One in seven Americans lives in poverty. But for people with disabilities, that number jumps to one in three. Sixty-five percent of people in long-term poverty have a disability,” said Michael Morris, National Disability Institute’s Executive Director. “Due to a lack of policy alignment, people with disabilities are forced to stay poor to keep receiving public benefits.”