The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) sends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have experienced tremendous loss in the American Airlines plane and U.S. Army helicopter crash that occurred this week.
People have lost family, friends, and colleagues – and we can only imagine their heartbreak in this difficult time.
Currently, there is an active investigation underway. As officials do their jobs searching for answers and clarity, NACDD will turn our attention to the community.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not to blame for this event. We realize that statements have been made pointing at us, and we are shocked, hurt, and saddened by these false accusations.
Making claims like this – especially with no evidence to support them – is harmful to people with disabilities, their families, and their communities.
People with disabilities are contributing members to society; to our local communities, to our workplaces, and to American life. We work, go to school, play sports, go to movies, volunteer, and so much more. We are part of this country, and part of every town and city and neighborhood across it. We are your friends, family members, coworkers – and neighbors.
While many of us have a strong support system that includes our families, other people with disabilities, disability organizations, and community-at-large, we need all of you to stand by us.
Right now, we are feeling surprised and worried because accusations have been made against us. We need everyone to know that the things being said are just not true.
We need people to stand beside us right now. Get to know us if you don’t already. Partner with us to help explain that we are not responsible for this.
We encourage you to build a community that includes people with disabilities.
Here are some things you can do:
- Talk to people in your circles about this event and how the blame being placed on us is simply not true
- Involve and learn from people with disabilities in your conversations with your friends, families, and neighbors
- Ask your faith-based leader to talk about and with people with disabilities at your place of worship
- Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, community newsletter, or school publication and share about the positive impact of having people with disabilities in your local community.
This isn’t about politics. This is about people.
NACDD encourages everyone to build a neighborhood that involves people with lived experiences.
Together, we need to create a society where we all respect and value each other.
To learn more about how you can support your local DD community, reach out to your local state DD Council.
