Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) mourns the passing of Senator Diane Feinstein, a true leader who served as the United States Senator from California since 1992.
“Sen. Feinstein championed access to healthcare for all Americans, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Robin Troutman, Deputy Director for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “Sen. Feinstein could always be counted on to support the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and be at the front of the line to fight back dozens of efforts to weaken or repeal the law. She stood side by side with people with disabilities when ACA’s Medicaid programs were threatened by those looking to repeal the ACA. We will miss her courage, her brilliance, and her resilience.”
“Less known, but so important to the disability community was Sen. Feinstein’s stalwart opposition to the use of dangerous electrical stimulation devices (ESDs), also known as electric shock devices, on children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” reminds Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. She and other senators urged the Food and Drug Administration to keep up the fight after a federal court overturned the agency’s ban on devices used to administer electric shocks on people with developmental disabilities. Sen. Feinstein also fought for stronger consumer protections regarding chemicals that affect our health, in areas ranging from children’s toys to personal care products.
“NACDD honors Sen. Feinstein’s legacy of promoting health equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Ms. Troutman. “We extend our deepest condolences to her family, Senate staff, and colleagues.”
