MADISON, Wis. – Opposition to the Republican Party’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act was at the forefront of Madison’s fifth annual Disability Pride Festival on July 29.
Disability advocacy groups such as ADAPT have made their voices heard at numerous protests in Washington, D.C. against plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
Festival organizers said while Saturday’s event comes with celebration over the Senate defeat of the so-called “skinny repeal” bill, their work isn’t done.
“I’m really happy it went back to the committee, but the fight is not over,” event emcee T. Banks said. “It’s not over at all.”
Banks said many are worried about GOP plans to cut Medicaid, something that would disproportionately affect people with disabilities.
“(The bill) needs to not go through,” attendee Sara Lawson said. “We need to keep our health care.”
Tents at the event encouraged voter registration and participation, with mock voting machines to get people with disabilities confident and comfortable with voting.
“Being a person with disabilities or different wellness challenges is a political stance,” Banks said.
In a change from the previous four Disability Pride Festivals, this year’s event was held at Tenney Park on Madison’s east side. It had previously been held at Brittingham Park.
Banks said housing reform and interactions with law enforcement are other key issues for people with disabilities.
