Disability Rights California mourns the lives lost in the tragic plane crash near Washington, DC on January 29, 2025.

While recovery efforts are underway and the incident is being investigated, it is irresponsible to blame the crash on disabled workers.

Last week, the White House released an anti-Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) statement that specifically denounced disability hiring initiatives. In today’s press conference, instead of acknowledging the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts, President Trump doubled down and used this tragedy to oppose DEIA efforts and blamed workforce diversity initiatives, including those that hire people with disabilities, for the conditions leading to the plane crash.

Attempting to blame workers with disabilities reinforces discriminatory beliefs that disabled workers are less qualified to perform their job functions. People with disabilities, just like any other workers, are not hired if they cannot perform the functions of the job safely.

Hiring disabled workers does not weaken workplaces; it strengthens them. In particular, people with intellectual, psychiatric, and other invisible disabilities often have talents and skills not in spite of, but because of their disabilities and related experiences. The grit and creativity required to constantly navigate barriers and adapt to systems that weren’t designed for you can be powerful advantages in a workplace. And studies have found that “companies that lead in disability inclusion drive more revenue, net income, and profit.”

Federal disability hiring programs are not new. The federal government’s longstanding disability hiring program was created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and signed by President Nixon. The FAA program that President Trump referred to, which was implemented in 2019 during his first administration, specifically requires that the candidates in the disability employment program “receive the same rigorous consideration in terms of aptitude, medical and security qualifications as those individuals considered for a standard public opening for air traffic controller jobs” and meet experience standards in order to have a position at the FAA Academy.

Disability Rights California’s vision is for a truly inclusive workforce. A diverse workforce, including disabled people, brings together different perspectives, experiences and ideas. We remain committed to building this world, and to protecting the rights of people with disabilities in employment and beyond.

Media Contact

Andy Imparato
Executive Director,
Disability Rights California,
(916) 504-5949
Andy.Imparato@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of drc is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.