More than 70 million people are living with a disability in the U.S. yet remain underrepresented in journalism produced by national newsrooms.
To better serve this audience, the Institute asked Katy Neas, chief executive of The Arc, a nonprofit organization that promotes disability rights, for her advice on the types of stories that could elevate the voices of this underrepresented community.
What are three questions that journalists should ask election officials and political candidates to address systemic barriers that shut out disabled voters?
Neas: Many states have enacted laws that restrict the ability of voters to receive assistance. Local elections offices and candidates should be asked what they are doing to ensure voters with disabilities can receive the assistance they need to vote from the assistant of their choice.
Many states have enacted laws that make it harder to vote by mail. Voters with disabilities disproportionately vote by mail since this is often the only accessible option for them. Local elections offices and candidates should be asked what they are doing to ensure voting by mail is accessible to voters with disabilities.
Except in certain circumstances, guardianship by itself does not prohibit voters with disabilities from voting. But many election workers lack this understanding and may prevent people with disabilities from voting. Local elections offices should be asked what they are doing to ensure voters with disabilities under guardianship are able to cast their ballot as they wish.
Do you need to get up to speed on ADA law to cover this topic?
Neas: The Americans with Disabilities Act is one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws guaranteeing the rights of people with disabilities. The ADA contains provisions to bar discrimination on the basis of disability in services provided by state and local governments, including voting. While the Voting Rights Act is critical, having familiarity with the ADA is key for journalists to understand when the rights of voters with disabilities may be violated. The new DOJ guidance is a great overview on this.
Read more: Neas’ advice prompted the creation of several Election 2024 tipsheets, including covering disabilities and voters; finding sources; and telling under-reported disabilities stories.