On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11Alive, an NBC TV station in Atlanta, Georgia along with Nexstar Media Group hosted a live debate with three candidates for the Democratic Governor’s Race.
While the debate was very informative and covered the most important topics, I’m beyond frustrated and very disappointed due to a group that’s commonly being left out of these debates.
You’re probably wondering: What group are you talking about that needs to be included in these political debates? The short answer is Georgians living with disabilities.
Why Disability Rights Belong on the Debate Stage
Here’s the best answer that I can give you. As a blind individual, asking these questions mentioning people with disabilities will give the opportunity for candidates to prove that they’ll work with us to make Georgia a better place to live, work and play. That way, Georgians like myself can make an informed decision on who to endorse, support, and vote in Elections like everyone else across the state. Plus, this year’s Elections is the most consequential of all time.
The Questions That I Sent To The Three Democratic Candidates
Since I watched and re-watched the debate, I’ve decided to send a letter to each campaign directly via email. Below, you’ll find the letter in its entirety with my questions that I asked. This page will be updated with each response from every campaign so you can make your own decision on who to support. This letter was sent to the following Democratic Governor campaigns:
These questions were also sent to Jason Esteves, in which he wasn’t at the debate.
Dear (Democratic Candidate For Governor),
I’m writing to your campaign today in regards to Georgians living with disabilities like myself, and what you’ll do as Governor if you’re elected.
Last night, I watched the Democratic debate that was hosted by 11Alive. While it was a good and informative debate, I’m beyond frustrated due to Georgians with disabilities not being included in the conversation.
Since 11Alive, along with other partner stations didn’t ask any questions regarding Georgian’s living with disabilities, I’d like to ask these questions directly to you so we can be informed on who to support in the primary on May 19, 2026.
Here’s all of the questions that I’d like to ask:
- If you’re elected as Governor, how will you protect the rights of people with disabilities if the Georgia Assembly introduces bills that’ll undermine us?
- If you’re elected as Governor, will you push for more NOW/Comp Waivers for individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities who deserves to get the care they need and to live in communities instead of being institutionalized in the state budget?
- What will you do for cities and counties who are struggling to get accessible, affordable, and reliable public transportation, and what programs would you offer to get these areas to provide these services?
- The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal law that prohibits people from discriminating based on disabilities. Will you support a state-level law that’ll give more protections to Georgians living with disabilities if the Federal law is under attack, or, in a worse case scenario, overturned?
- People with disabilities deserve an equal and livable wage and a job where they can comfortably work without the fear of being laid off/terminated. Georgia is an at-will state, in which employers can terminate someone with or without cause. If you’re elected as Governor, how will you address the unemployment rate, especially people who are blind or have low vision?
- If a person with a disability is suddenly unemployed, what will you do to make it easier for people with disabilities to file for unemployment without having to jump through hoops, such as taking pictures of their state-issued ID or having to get someone to take them to a local Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) office to file for unemployment?
- People with disabilities like myself rely on Social Security. Georgia is currently sitting on a $16+ billion surplus. If you’re elected as Governor of Georgia, will you create a program where Georgians can receive a livable income, especially if the cost of rent and other expenses are too high, and also allow the ability for us to save up to a very high amount for vacations and other activities that we want to do without our benefits getting cut?
- If you’re elected as Governor, how will you enforce school Districts that don’t comply with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in which it makes available a free an appropriate education for students with disabilities?
I’m looking forward to your response regarding these questions at your earliest convenience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need me to clarify on one of these questions.
Thank you.
Responses
No responses yet. Once a response has been received, it’ll be available here.