While political punditry was questioning John Fetterman's cognitive abilities after his stroke, individuals with disabilities were raising him up as a reminder that people people with disabilities are full functioning members of society and not defined by their limitations.
In the waning days of the race for Pennsylvania’s open U.S. Senate seat, Democratic challenger John Fetterman surprised many when he agreed to a debate with his Republican challenger.On debate night, Fetterman missed words, paused awkwardly and spoke haltingly.
“There is a stigma attached to people with disabilities,” said Vincenza Portzline, president of the board of the Center for Independent Living, a Harrisburg-based advocacy group that promotes quality of life and equality for individuals with disabilities. “Some people just need a little accommodation to do great things,” said Portzline, who in the 1990s suffered a spinal injury that left her a quadriplegic. “I compare it to Stephen Hawking. He was a genius but he couldn’t have expressed it without his assistance technology devices. If we had ignored him and put him in the closet and not listened to him, where would science be?”
“If after he is sworn in he needs closed caption, that would fall under reasonable accommodation,” Portzline said. “That will make him support employment for people with disabilities as well. Most people with disabilities are in poverty. If that would be any other group we would be hearing about that.”
Braddy, who became disabled suffering a spinal cord injury playing football in high school, noted the general skepticism from many corners of society to the news that Fetterman had requested the use of a closed-caption teleprompter during the debate. Appearing on CNN, Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said: “It’s sad to see John Fetterman struggling so much.” Even supporters - some of whom had suggested Fetterman pull out of the race - questioned the campaign’s decision to go on with the debate.
“I sit in a wheelchair and I can still do my job,” said Sen. Christine Tartaglione, a Philadelphia Democrat who has used a wheelchair since a boating accident in 2003. “I have done my best work as a senator since I‘ve been in a wheelchair. I’m more focused on issues that our community has to deal with. I’m stronger and I‘m sensitive to people around me more so than before my accident.”
Troy Thompson, a spokesman for the state Department of General Services, which oversees commonwealth buildings, said the agency is aware of the concerns from people with disabilities both among the public and members and staff.
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