Nelson testimony: accessibility crisis for Gold Star mother with disabilities
Nelson shares the story of a paralyzed Gold Star mother who could not attend the hearing because she lacks mobility equipment to navigate stairs, paying over $100 for assistance. She asks the council to close gaps in accessibility, home modification, and personal assistance for military families with disabilities.
Now this is about accessibility and support, economic opportunities.
That brings me to a gold star mother who wanted to be in this room today, but could not attend because she could not get down the stairs of her home.
She's paralyzed and does not have the equipment and assistance she needs to enter and leave her home safely.
Getting downstairs requires two people, and she faces paying more than $100 for help navigating those steps.
Her absence today deserves our attention.
Her son served our country, and she is a gold star mother.
She deserves attention.
She deserves attention at this hearing to reach an appointment, which we spoke about already.
How do we make that possible?
How do we ensure that the support she needs is accessible and affordable?
I asked counsel to help identify and close the gaps in support for military family members with disabilities, including accessibility, home, modification, mobility equipment, transportation, and dependable
personal assistance.
Do know that her son was actually taking care of her.
This is why this is important.
We must also recognize the emotional toll, mental health, of the barriers, isolation, grief, uncertainty, and whether help will come can weigh heavily on a person's mental health.
Accessibility, service, and compassionate support belong in the same conversation.
I'm going to speak about this again until someone actually sit down with me and have a meeting.
Gold Star, White Star, and Silver Star family members own businesses.
Military spouses, family caregivers own businesses.
We create jobs.
We provide services.
And we tribute and we contribute to this city.
Yet many businesses, workforces, and event applications ask only one question.
Are you a veteran?
For those of us who did not personally serve, the answer is no.
But that answer does not capture our military connection, our family sacrifice, or the barriers we may face.