Michelle Kraus, LMSW, senior social worker, NYLPI Disability Justice program, shared written testimony in support of INT 209-2022, a local law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York in relation to prohibiting discrimination based on a person’s height or weight in opportunities of employment, housing, and access to public accommodations.

As a person with short stature, I have experienced discrimination based on unalterable physical characteristics. People have immediately judged my abilities, competence, and intelligence based on my appearance. Over time, people have been influenced to think people with visible differences are physically and mentally impaired, especially when portrayed in mainstream media as fantastical caricatures or inspirations that deserve the public’s compassion and sympathy. It is easy to ignore individual qualities when impressions are solely based on appearance.”

Read Michelle’s full testimony here.