Give people with disabilities a fair chance
Stories for Change
This digital story campaign features census advocates connecting census participation to a wide spectrum of advocacy, including racial justice, immigration, disability, labor, and faith.
Elizabeth Graham helps families with children access Medicaid services, so they receive support in their homes.
Elizabeth Graham, who is also on the autism spectrum, knows firsthand how getting counted in the census helps fund support and services for people with disabilities.
“if there’s one thing this world does to make sense of things, it’s to apply labels. I’m a transgender woman of color on the autism spectrum. Given that, I understand how hard it is for us who don’t fit neatly into boxes to find the support and services we need to thrive.
“I know about the waiting lists of families who need to receive healthcare services like home support and respite care. I myself was diagnosed with Asperger’s late in my teens. Life worked out for me. I’m an independent person with a full-time job I love.
“But others need more structured help. That kind of support needs money that Medicaid waivers can’t provide. Waiting lists run 8 to10 years. During that time, people with disabilities run the risk of falling between the cracks and struggling with the basics to be able to live independently and to thrive.
“I stand for inclusive health care for people of all abilities. Give people with disabilities a fair chance at the opportunities they deserve.”
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As the Autism Waiver Service Coordinator of The Arc of Prince George’s County, Elizabeth Graham helps families with children access Medicaid services, so they receive support in their homes. Elizabeth, who is also on the autism spectrum, knows firsthand how getting counted in the census helps fund support and services for people with disabilities.