As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, it is important to remember that the difficulties endured by disabled people during the pandemic do not end simply because Gov. Sununu has chosen to end his emergency orders and that increased health risks for those of us with underlying conditions continue.
The impact of COVID-19 has been tremendous for everyone in New Hampshire, across the country and the globe. For many grappling with childcare issues, wage and job losses, isolation or tragically the death of a loved one in the past year, it has been the greatest challenge of their life.
Simultaneously, the pandemic necessitated the advancement and re-imagination of technology so that we could stay connected and continue government, work, school and social activities. Unfortunately, for many disabled people, this expansion of accessibility has always been a necessity but was often rarely employed on our behalf.
The legislature is a great example. For many disabled people unable to travel to Concord, the online hearings during the pandemic allowed them their first glimpse into the legislative process. It allowed them to testify to issues or listen to lively policy debates without leaving their home. Amplifying the voices of these Granite Staters undoubtedly gave me and other legislators perspectives we were not privy to in past sessions. Expanding options for disabled people to join the process simply improved it.
Now, as our country attempts to come out of the pandemic and life returns to “normal,” disabled people are once again left disenfranchised, with options for access removed and participation revoked. While it may be “safe” for some to head back into the office, many disabled and immunocompromised people remain at high risk. While it may be convenient or commonplace for people to resume their drive to crowded Concord committee rooms, it will always remain impossible for some.
In the legislature, remote access to committees has inexplicably ended. New Hampshire lags far behind in providing accessibility in even such simple and obvious areas as adding captioning to the current live streaming of committee work and legislative sessions to permit deaf and hard-of-hearing constituents to easily follow legislative activities.
Democrats in the legislature have pushed to continue providing remote access for both legislators and the public. Numerous rule changes authorizing remote participation were proposed by legislators and voted down by a Republican majority. HB 216, which would have allowed local remote meetings to continue after the state of emergency expired, was killed by Republicans in committee and then in a break from established legislative practice, not even brought to the House floor for a vote. We understand that continuing this access is not a luxury but a necessity for equal participation in our government.
There is no good reason that these simple adjustments cannot be made. The technology has already been purchased, learned by lawmakers and utilized to success. With uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and new variants of the virus, it is especially important to prepare now.
Disability does not discriminate, but Republicans in the legislature have and continue to do so. Protection of the rights of the disabled should not be a partisan matter. The necessary modifications to the voting process resulting from COVID-19 should likewise continue. Only then can New Hampshire fully celebrate Disability Pride Month.
(David Cote is a NH state representative. He is the deputy House Democratic Leader.)