2024 YEAR IN REVIEW   

Most of the disparities we identified can be resolved by recognizing and addressing distinctions between accessibility for those with mobility disabilities and public accommodation access for all disabilities. However, ignoring the facts does not mean they cease to exist. Accessibility often refers to structural modifications made for wheelchair users and other mobility challenges. Public accommodations refer to modifying policy or practices to facilitate equal access to participate, including in state and local government programs, services and activities for all disabilities. BLS data reveals over 50% of all accommodations cost $0. This either reveals opinions and policies ignore the data and economics or it exposes barriers to inclusion and bias resulting in disparate treatment and impacts against causes they deem undeserving or people they dislike.

Executive Order 13985 SECTION 2 paragraph 1 states: "persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality." Our disparity data over the past three years has documented the expanding urban-rural gaps, lack of equal opportunities and protections under existing ADA definitions… including equal access to the courts, employment, housing, healthcare, small business certification, etc. The failure to acknowledge mounting statistical evidence combined with the lack of representation and inclusion sends a clear message… those with hidden disabilities, like chronic medical diagnosis, neurodiversity, and mental health conditions are not equally protected by federal law or local DEI policies in some communities even if they where born, live and diagnosed there.

State Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) | CDC

State Profile Data: Adults 18+ Disability and Health Data | CDC

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW     

Let's review the statistical evidence politicians, charities and corporations continue to ignore. Again, this is not our data. We simply collect and organize data collected and published by government agencies and NPOs. Disability Impacts All of Us while other equity causes categorize communities by race, gender, orientation, etc. The fact remains that households in relative poverty have 70% greater occurrence of mental distress than wealthier households. Meanwhile, the poverty rate is higher in all 50 states and DC among families with a disability compared to families without. 

2X the disability unemployment rate versus those with no disability

8X the unemployment rate among neurodivergent diagnosis

3X the poverty rate for disablilities versus those with no disability

11X the small business disparities versus other minority groups with no disability

9X autism suicide rate versus those with no disability

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW  

CORA requests and other data reveals local governments spend significant amounts of tax dollars on select pride / heritage causes at the expense of equitable inclusion of all deserving causes based on emotions and personal connections... disregarding federal law and statistical evidence. The 19th Amendment, Civil Rights Act and ADA all passed the House and Senate and were signed into law by Presidents. No such laws exist regarding DEI and ESG. Federal laws supercede state and local policies. This means funding DEI and ESG should not be prioritized ahead of the ADA or any other cause with federal legislation and mandates. AGAIN... do not be confused. This is about the dignity of equal representation, access and protections based on existing laws for those with documented and disclosed disabilities... NOT about discounting or defunding other causes.

The CDC reports 1 in 4 adults in Colorado live with at least one disability. That includes 2 in 5 adults over 65, 1 in 4 women, and over 90% of all disabilities are invisible, including the leading category of cognition. Where there is a disability there is often a family caregiver. 78% of those who require care get it from a family member or neighbor. 33% of caregivers have a disability themselves. NAMI reports the typical family caregiver provides 32 hours of unpaid care per week. Caregiver poverty and depression rates are more than 2X the non-caregiving families. Depression and poverty are cited as the two most common contributors in over 50% of all suicides. Data also indicates urban-rural gaps in disability, poverty and suicide rates increase as population density decreases. 

Caregiver Statistics: Family Caregiver Alliance

Related Conditions | Disability and Health | CDC

Equal access, opportunities and protections for those with visible and invisible disabilities are not threats to other minorities or lawful DEI policy. In fact we contend disability inclusion protects lawful DEI policies. Equal access, opportunities and protection is not special treatment. No one is suggesting canceling lawful DEI policies or defunding current organizations. However, the facts and years of statistical evidence clearly expose a pattern of disparate treatment and impact. Facts are metrics of performance not personal or political attacks. It is time State and local governments accept their responsibilities under federal law and ensure the equitable allocation of resources based on the statistical evidence and existing laws in 2025.

Disability Inclusion | CDC

Barriers to Inclusion | CDC

Fact checking local governments, politicians and corporate social media feeds you can see what causes they promoted and funded, compared to those they omitted and ignored. Again this past year local governments, politicians and corporations provided significant financial contributions and in-kind support to a variety of ESG and DEI causes from pride and heritage months to anniversaries to observances. At the same time... there was little recognition of the Anniversary of the ADA in July or National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. Again, this is about the dignity of inclusion under the ADA and ADAAA, as well as lawful application of local DEI policy regarding equal access, opportunities, and inclusion for all causes equitably.

We look forward to 2025… and THANK YOU for taking your time to get the facts about local suffering leaders and charities ignored again in 2024! We are grateful for the encouragement from a growing network of those with common sense and compassion. Bullies won't silence us or mute the facts. We will never give up on statistical evidence and equal access to all merit-based opportunities.

We will continue to be the messenger, seek willing allies and advocate for fair representation and economic inclusion this year and every year!