Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) delivered an emotionally charged speech on Thursday, shedding light on the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and sharing his own experience of being bullied after suffering a stroke last year.
During a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Fetterman showcased the transcription app on his phone that helps him follow conversations.
Following a life-threatening stroke in May 2022, Fetterman developed an auditory processing disorder, which is a common condition among stroke survivors.
Describing the technology as “profound” in its impact on his life, Fetterman expressed his gratitude for the app, stating, “I have lost my ability to fully process language.”
As he became overwhelmed with emotion, Fetterman apologized to his colleagues at the hearing, saying, “Because I live in a political environment, I was ridiculed and made fun of because I wasn’t able to process things sometimes or say anything. So I’m so sorry that I’m sure many of you had to go through this kind of thing.”
The focus of the Senate hearing was to ensure government technology is accessible to older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Numerous disabled individuals and advocates provided testimonies as witnesses.
Senator Fetterman posed a question to the panel, asking how senators can better understand and support the needs of disabled communities. In response, accessibility engineer Chris Westbrook emphasized the importance of prioritizing accessibility and having the political will to make it happen.
During the Pennsylvania Senate race, Fetterman’s health became a significant point of contention. His Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, made derogatory comments about Fetterman’s stroke.
Fetterman also faced criticism about his speech from high-profile Republicans, including Ronna McDaniel, Chair of the Republican National Committee, and Donald Trump Jr.
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