Wheels On Down the Road

Tag: Disability Rights

Covers legal protections, policies, and movements aimed at ensuring equal opportunities, accessibility, and non-discrimination for people with disabilities.

  • Left Behind by the Democrats

    Left Behind by the Democrats

    Over the past few months, I’ve written extensively about the changes unfolding in our government. I’ve also discussed their impact on our communities.

    There have been drastic budget cuts to Social Security. There is also an urgent need for reform in Minnesota’s disability services. I’ve delved into the pressing issues that affect us all. I’ve also explored the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the growing need for advocacy and support.

    Amid these discussions, I’ve felt an increasing urge to share more of my personal story. Shortly after the 2024 presidential election, I wrote a piece that I wasn’t quite ready to publish. It was raw, emotional, and an honest reflection on feeling left behind by the Democratic Party. While I shared it with a few close friends, I hesitated to make it public. I wasn’t sure how it would be received—and, frankly, I wasn’t ready for the potential backlash.

    I continue writing about the state of our nation and the impacts of policy changes on disability support services. I realize that my personal story is an essential part of this broader conversation.

    The emotions I felt in November 2024 still resonate. They affect not just me but many others too. These emotions reach those who feel disconnected, disillusioned, and left behind.

    Today, I’m ready to share this piece with you. I’ve made some edits to improve readability and included links to cited sources. My hope is that it resonates with you. I wish it sparks meaningful conversations. I also hope it encourages all of us to think critically about the direction we’re headed as a country.

    Left Behind by the Democrats

    A Personal Reflection on the Democratic Party’s Disconnect and the Fight for Our Rights

    By Levi Dokken | November 7, 2024

    I have been sitting here with a lot of feelings—sadness, anger, even rage. Part of me wanted to lash out at the people who voted for Donald Trump. To work through these emotions, I felt the need to sit down and write.

    Writing helps me release emotions. It allows me to express my thoughts. By expressing them, they don’t consume me.

    The Disconnect Between the Democratic Party and Rural America

    Donald Trump has won, and I believe it’s because the Democrats failed. They have failed the people they claim to represent. They are no longer the party of working men and women. Just look at the state of Minnesota. It went for Harris but is still a sea of red. There is only a small island of blue. The party only focuses on the areas where they need electoral votes to win the overall race.

    I grew up in a small town in Minnesota. I saw firsthand that most people in my community weren’t necessarily concerned with national politics.

    They focused more on day-to-day struggles. They were figuring out how to put food on the table. They were also finding money to cover the mortgage. They worried about what to do if their child needed braces and health insurance didn’t cover it.

    Candidates campaigned across the United States. They focused primarily on so-called battleground states and urban areas. They believed these areas would secure enough votes for them.

    Small towns across the nation increasingly feel disconnected from the Democratic Party. They believe the party has shifted its focus toward urban and coastal issues. This shift comes at the expense of rural communities.

    The Electoral System: A Barrier to Representation

    I often wonder if political candidates would pay more attention to smaller towns if votes were delegated differently. They might also focus on smaller states.

    Our current electoral system feels outdated. It resembles a relic of an age long since dead. In it, the voices of a few battleground states dictate the direction of the entire country.

    What if we had a more localized electoral college system within each state?

    For example, if each county were assigned an electoral vote, it might create a more balanced representation. The majority vote within a county would decide how that county’s electoral vote was cast. This system could offer an option to the current popular vote system that most states use to assign their delegates.

    Disappointment with Democratic Leadership

    Joe Biden announced he was running for a second term. I had a strong feeling he was going to lose.

    In 2020, he claimed he would be a transitional president. What happened to that promise? He was unwilling to even hold a primary. I was much more enthusiastic about the possibility of MN Rep. Dean Phillips entering the race. The Democrats, however, dismissed it, holding fast to the tradition that the incumbent automatically runs for re-election.

    Watching the first presidential debate, I was floored. Both candidates seemed unfit to hold the highest office in the land.

    Biden stumbled with his words and thoughts; at times, he seemed unable to keep his ideas in order. Trump wasn’t much better—he mostly rehashed grievances from 2020 without offering a clear plan for change.

    Project 2025: A Threat to Disability Rights

    Project 2025 adds to my concern. It is a plan from The Heritage Foundation. The next administration might choose to implement it.

    According to the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, this plan proposes changes with deep impacts on programs like Medicaid. It introduces funding caps, stricter eligibility requirements, and time limits.

    These changes could drastically reduce access to essential services for people with disabilities. Services like medical equipment, personal care attendants (PCAs), and specialist visits are crucial. They are necessary for maintaining health and independence.

    For me, Medicaid covers my specialist visits. It also covers my nearly $50,000 power wheelchair and repairs. Additionally, it covers the cost of my partner, Jason, as my PCA.

    How Do We Talk to Those Who Voted for Trump?

    How do I talk to my friends and family who voted for Donald Trump? How do I understand their choice to support someone who has assaulted women? He attempted to overturn a fair election. He also incited his supporters to storm the Capitol.

    Some of Trump’s supporters hold harmful views. However, I believe most are simply scared, misinformed, or longing for a past they believe he can bring back.

    I don’t want to cut these people out of my life, especially when many are lifelong friends or family. We can still be connected; we just may not talk about politics.

    What Can I Do Moving Forward?

    I’ve shared many things with you. The Democratic Party’s disconnect from rural America is concerning. Our electoral system has flaws. Policies like Project 2025 carry potential consequences. There’s a growing divide among friends and family. I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and overwhelm.

    The future feels uncertain. These decisions could have long-lasting effects. They could also have life-changing effects for myself and those I care about. I find myself sitting here after writing this, asking myself, What can I do?

    As one voice out of millions, not much. But I can be part of something bigger. When others raise their voices against the incoming administration’s policies, I can stand with them. I can support the women in my life, the friends who feel vulnerable right now. I can do my part, however small, to work toward a future that protects everyone’s rights and dignity.

    Will you join me?

    Sources

  • When Budget Cuts Hit Home: How Social Security Reductions Are Impacting Us All

    Social Security Is More Than a Government Program

    Social Security isn’t just a government program; for many, it’s a lifeline.

    I’ve been receiving Social Security benefits in one form or another since I turned 18. Initially, I relied on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while attending college from 2002 to 2008. It gave me a freedom many going through college don’t have. I was able to have a reliable source of income so I could focus higher education.

    When I entered the workforce in the winter of 2009, I found stable and reliable work. This job allowed me to completely eliminate my need for Social Security assistance.

    Later, after leaving my job at Best Buy in 2018, I transitioned to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These services are vital—not just for me but for millions of Americans who depend on them for independence and stability.

    Why I’m Speaking Up Now

    I felt compelled to write this piece after watching The Rachel Maddow Show last night. Maddow discussed the potential fallout from the latest budget cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA). These cuts, led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump, go beyond budget trimming. Entire programs are being eliminated, putting vulnerable populations at serious risk.

    According to a recent Washington Post article, the acting head of the SSA privately admitted to certain outcomes. He said these cuts would likely lead to more mistakes. They might also result in longer delays in processing claims. The possibility of an even more frayed safety net is alarming, and I couldn’t sit by quietly.

    The Human Impact of Bureaucratic Delays

    These cuts won’t just affect new applicants—they could impact those of us already receiving benefits. Whether it’s renewing benefits, updating personal information, or resolving administrative issues, interactions with the SSA are often necessary.

    When the system is underfunded and overwhelmed, routine tasks can become significant obstacles. Delays and mistakes in processing claims can lead to missed payments, prolonged appeals, and devastating financial consequences.

    Real Stories, Real Consequences

    It might be difficult to grasp the real-world impact of bureaucratic slowdowns. This is especially true for those who have never had to navigate this system.

    When I applied for SSDI in 2018, the process was far from smooth. Even with a fully staffed administration, the hurdles were significant. Now imagine facing these challenges with fewer resources, fewer programs, and more errors.

    These challenges are not just theoretical. They are a looming reality for millions of Americans. Many Americans rely on Social Security as a cornerstone of their financial stability.

    Connect the Dots: More on Disability Rights and Advocacy

    If you want to understand more about the broader challenges facing people with disabilities, check out some of my previous posts:

    These stories illustrate the ongoing struggle to maintain and expand the rights and services many of us rely on. The fight against these latest budget cuts is just one part of a larger battle.

    A Call for Accountability and Action

    We need transparency and a commitment from our leaders to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations. Budget cuts might look good on a spreadsheet, but their impact on human lives can be catastrophic. We should invest in essential services. This ensures that everyone—regardless of their circumstances—has access to the support they need.

    Advocacy Starts with Awareness

    The first step in fighting these cuts is raising awareness. Share your stories, support advocacy groups, and reach out to your representatives. If we remain silent, these cuts could become just another line item in a budget. The true cost would be paid by those who can least afford it.

    Sources

  • Disability Services in Minnesota: A Crisis That Needs Fixing

    Disability Services in Minnesota: A Crisis That Needs Fixing

    Disabled Minnesotans continue to struggle with long wait times for essential disability services. This is the third time this month I’ve written about issues facing disabled people, and yet, the problems persist. I felt frustrated after reading another article in the Star Tribune. I was frustrated enough to once again lend my voice to this conversation.

    I’m fortunate that I rarely face issues accessing the services I need to live a successful life. But hearing about the struggles others endure just to receive basic support is deeply upsetting. No one should have to fight this hard for the help they desperately need.

    Bureaucratic inefficiencies, workforce shortages, and inadequate funding continue to create unnecessary delays. Many disabled individuals remain stuck in limbo, unable to access services they’ve already been approved for. These delays aren’t just numbers on a report—they are real people, facing real consequences.

    Real People, Real Consequences

    Pamela Thomas, a Hutchinson, Minnesota, resident, has been waiting months for care. She qualifies for a waiver that covers personal care assistance. However, she remains without support due to workforce shortages and bureaucratic hurdles.

    The Star Tribune recently covered Thomas’ story. They reported that she remains on a waiting list. There is no clear timeline for when she will receive the care she needs. Minnesota’s Medicaid system has left thousands in similar situations. It forces people into an exhausting battle to get services they have already qualified for.

    Families across Minnesota are facing similar challenges as they wait for essential services. Many disabled individuals have had to reduce their work hours. Parents of disabled children have also needed to cut back on work. Some have even left their jobs entirely to provide necessary care. Others cannot work at all. They lack the critical supports needed to maintain employment. They are often waiting on county funding that has yet to arrive. Some rely on family and friends for assistance. Many others face increasing financial strain. They continue to wait for the services they desperately need.

    Addressing the Crisis: Key Reforms Needed

    • Streamline the Waiver System: Cutting administrative delays by simplifying paperwork and hiring more staff will speed up approvals.
    • Increase Workforce Support: Providing better pay and benefits for caregivers will reduce staffing shortages.
    • Ensure Long-Term Stability: Disability services need stable funding rather than last-minute budget decisions.

    Success Stories in Advocacy

    Advocacy works. In 2024, disability rights advocates in Kansas praised a budget provision. It was aimed at shortening wait times for disabled Kansans in need of services. This legislative effort was viewed positively.

    It represents a step towards addressing the backlog. It also ensures timely support for those in need. By organizing rallies, meeting with legislators, and sharing personal stories, they created real change. A similar movement in Minnesota could lead to the reforms we need.

    How You Can Help

    Advocacy plays a crucial role in fixing delayed disability services. Here’s how you can help:

    • Contact Your Legislators: Call or email your state representatives and demand action on disability service delays. Find your representative here.
    • Share Your Story: If you or a loved one has experienced delays, share your experience on social media.
    • Sign Petitions: Support initiatives pushing for policy changes. Consider signing petitions advocating for streamlined services.
    • Join a Local Advocacy Group: Organizations like the National Disability Rights Network are leading efforts to fix service delays.

    More on the Challenges Disabled People Face

    Sources

  • Accessible Air Travel Threatened

    Accessible Air Travel Threatened

    Accessible air travel should be a right, not a privilege. However, for wheelchair users, flying can be a nightmare due to frequent mishandling of mobility devices. Every trip comes with an underlying fear: Will my wheelchair make it in one piece?

    Unlike lost luggage, a damaged or broken wheelchair isn’t just an inconvenience. It can mean losing mobility and independence. It may even cause someone to miss out on travel altogether.

    Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced regulations to address these issues. These rules aim to hold airlines accountable for how they handle mobility devices. However, instead of embracing these improvements, major U.S. airlines are pushing back, trying to roll back these critical protections.

    If they succeed, it won’t just affect disabled travelers today. It could also set a precedent. Such a precedent would make future accessible air travel even harder to achieve.

    What the Biden-Era Regulations Do to Improve Accessible Air Travel

    To improve air travel for disabled passengers, the DOT introduced several new requirements. Specifically, these regulations require airlines to:

    • Improve training for airline personnel and contractors handling wheelchairs.
    • Provide real-time tracking of mobility devices during loading and unloading.
    • Be held accountable for damages or mishandling of essential mobility equipment.

    The Reality of Flying as a Wheelchair User: Why Accessible Air Travel Matters

    For wheelchair users, air travel often comes with unnecessary risks. If a power wheelchair is lost or damaged, the consequences are severe. It is not just a minor setback. It can leave someone stranded without mobility. Unlike suitcases, mobility devices are custom-fitted for their users, meaning repairs or replacements can take weeks or even months.

    For this reason, I personally avoid flying whenever possible. For instance, when I traveled to Seattle for a cruise, I took Amtrak. I chose it instead of flying because I couldn’t take the chance that my wheelchair would arrive damaged. If that had happened, I wouldn’t have been able to board the ship or enjoy my trip.

    No one should have to plan their travel around whether an airline will handle their essential mobility device properly.

    A Dangerous Slippery Slope for Accessible Air Travel

    Unfortunately, if airlines succeed in overturning these regulations, it could open the door for them. They may challenge other crucial accessibility improvements. This would make an already difficult travel experience even worse for disabled passengers. Some of the improvements currently under discussion include:

    • More wheelchair-accessible airplane bathrooms, which would allow passengers with disabilities to use the restroom without unnecessary struggle.
    • In-cabin wheelchair seating would allow wheelchair users to remain in their chairs. This prevents the need to store them below the plane, where damage is likely.

    If airlines succeed in rolling back current protections, they may argue that future accessibility improvements are too costly or inconvenient. This is why it is essential to push back now.

    How You Can Take Action to Protect Accessible Air Travel

    • Stay informed. Follow updates on DOT regulations and share information widely.
    • Speak out. If you or someone you know has experienced issues with airline accessibility, share your story with me here.
    • Contact your representatives. Advocate for stronger disability rights in air travel to prevent airlines from rolling back accessibility improvements.

    Disability Advocacy Groups Fighting for Change

    Sources

    Disclosure: The feature image for this article was AI-generated. Key phrases from this post were used to create a visual representation of the topic.