Transcription – John Delaney Disability Unscripted Video
2020 Presidential Primary Candidate Survey on Disability
John Delaney’s Responses
Employment: What are your views on paying a subminimum wage based on disability?
I do not think people with disabilities should be paid below the federal minimum wage. In Congress, I cosponsored legislation, the Raise the Wage Act, that would phase out the sub-minimum wage for workers with disabilities, bar the Department of Labor from issuing more special sub-minimum wage certificates, and offer employers assistance in transitioning affected workers to integrated employment and continuing to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Assistive Technology: What do you plan to do to increase access to assistive technology for people with disabilities who need it to effectively and independently engage in their communities?
I believe that the federal government must do more to help people with disabilities afford the technology and devices they need. My universal health care plan, BetterCare, includes coverage of assistive technology and in Congress I supported legislation, the Access Technology Affordability Act, to create a refundable tax credit to help blind people afford access technologies like screen reader and voice recognition programs.
Special Education: How would you propose to strengthen the IDEA when it is reauthorized so that it truly fulfills its stated purpose of preparing children with disabilities for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living, including children with the most significant disabilities?
I support reauthorizing IDEA and increasing funding to meet the federal government’s full commitment to support education for students with disabilities, and I would provide additional resources to help schools develop individualized learning programs for students with visual or hearing disabilities. I also have an education proposal that includes universal Pre-K for every four-year-old child and two free years of community college or technical training, which will help every American develop the skills they need for the economy of the future.
Mental Health Services: What is your vision for a system of services to support people with mental illness?
My universal health care plan includes a requirement for mental health parity to ensure that mental health needs receive the same care and attention as physical health needs. I will also increase the number of mental health professionals in schools and expand telehealth options for mental health care in rural and underserved communities.
Workforce Shortage: Please explain how you would address this immediate and growing workforce shortage?
Candidate did not submit a response to this question.
