Congresswoman Simon Introduces the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act," a bipartisan bill that helps small businesses become more accessible both for their current and future employees. The bill would create a federal agency partnership between the Small Business Administration and the National Council on Disability to conduct outreach and marketing to small businesses across America, including in CA-12, to hire more workers with special needs and connect individuals with special needs with programs and activities to facilitate successful self-employment or to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities at small businesses.

"As the first congenitally blind person to serve in Congress, I am incredibly honored to introduce the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act" to lift up opportunities for members of the disabled community and increase accessibility in small business." said Congresswoman Simon.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of major cities. Making them accessible for all in every aspect will maximize local economic activity, improve public safety outcomes, and broaden the American job market to everyone who is seeking to contribute to their communities. I came to Congress to bring people who are often left out of policy conversations to the table - investments in business and talent in our communities shouldn't be limited to just those who are not disabled. Full stop, period."

Congresswoman Simon is the first born legally blind member of Congress. She has long advocated for disability rights and making everyday life more accessible. From 2016 to 2024, she served on the Board of the Bay Area Rapid Transit with a specific focus on making public transportation more accessible.

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