First, the Center for Disability expresses our condolences to everyone who has been impacted by the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342. The plane was travelling on a busy flight path into our nation’s capital – one that is frequently used by our advocates. People were particularly concerned about an advocate from Kansas who could have been traveling to DC to join our team currently on Capitol Hill. We posted a statement this morning from our CEO, Bruce Darling, letting people know that no CDR or ADAPT activists were on the flight. He acknowledged that although some of us feel relief with the news that loved ones are safe, others are deeply wounded. His advice was to “spread kindness”.

Early this afternoon, President Trump blamed individuals with disabilities for the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342, citing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts that included targeted efforts to hire qualified people with disabilities. It is unconscionable that the President of the United States would use this disaster as an opportunity to attack DEI efforts and specifically people with disabilities.

There is no evidence that any of the individuals involved in this disaster are people with disabilities or that, if there are individuals with disabilities involved in this accident that their disability played a role in the accident. The cause of the crash has not been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Assigning responsibility – or blame – without facts is utterly irresponsible.

President Trump’s comments reinforce ableist stereotypes that Disabled Americans are less capable that non-Disabled people. Too many people assume that people with any type of disability are not capable. That is patently untrue. Disabled American – and Disabled people all over the planet – are resilient problem solvers and are contributing members of society if given the opportunity. Comments by President Trump needlessly reinforced this ableist bias, particularly among his supporters.

Ableist stereotypes and bias limit opportunities for Americans with disabilities and may be used to support violence against Disabled individuals. Ableist attitudes are problematic, but these attitudes become the basis for decisions and action. By erroneously asserting that one or more Disabled people caused this accident, President Trump has given credence to people choosing not to hire Disabled Americans, further limiting the progress the Disability Community can make to ensure that we are able to fully participate in society and pursue self-sufficiency. We are gravely concerned that his comments may be taken as a call to action among his base to retaliate against Disabled people, particularly those who are also BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+.

Misinformation from the President in such a high-profile setting can become the basis for further efforts to undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is no federal program or law that requires anyone to hire people with disabilities who are unqualified or unable to do a job. Thirty-five years ago, in 1990, the Disability Community secured the Americans with Disabilities Act to address discrimination in employment. The law was signed by President George H. W. Bush, and Title I simply requires that employers approach employment in a non-discriminatory manner and provide employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations in employment. For President Trump to suggest otherwise is unconscionable.

Leveraging a national disaster and the deaths of dozens of Americans to advance a political agenda – any political agenda – is inappropriate. The President’s comments are disrespectful to our dead as well as their friends and families who are experiencing a terrible loss. Now is the time to bring our country together, not to villainize and attack people.

If the President’s goal is greatness, he should focus on doing something great. Donald Trump – the candidate for office – has been elected President of the United States. He is arguably the most powerful person on the planet. He needs to step up to the job instead of using his power to attack and further oppress Americans, including Americans with disabilities. President Trump can use the power of presidency to significantly advance people with disabilities in our fight to address and end ableism. He has the power to do things for our community that previous Presidents have not done. We call on him to do so.