Why Donald Trump Scares Me as a Person With a Disability

I recently wrote a letter to Donald Trump asking him to apologize for mocking New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski’s disability, to no avail. Today, I want to explain why as a person with a disability, Donald Trump scares me.

When Donald Trump went up on stage and mocked Serge Kovaleski’s disability, it was not only exceptionally cruel, it was exceptionally ignorant. Donald Trump is running to be the leader of every American  — the able-bodied and the disabled. If he actually spent a day with someone who lived with a disability, he might just learn a thing or two about determination, grit, and courage. He would learn about all the obstacles those with disabilities face just to get through a regular day, and how America still has such a long way to go when it comes to the treatment and living conditions of those with disabilities.

I cannot imagine what a President Trump would mean for me and the millions of other Americans who live with a disability. What would we be telling our kids? That it’s OK to mock other people? That you can still be President regardless of your behavior or how you act? We need a President who represents every American, and treats every human being with dignity and respect. When Donald Trump went up on stage and mocked Serge’s disability, he showed who he really is. I feel sorry for him, really.

Donald, I would encourage you to get to know someone who lives with a disability. You would learn so much, and maybe you’d begin to understand why your actions hurt so many of us.
Come November 8th, the disabled community, and every American, has a clear choice. Will we elect a President who represents all of us and is inclusive, or will we elect someone who spreads anger and fear every time he speaks?

The choice is yours, America.

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