The House Ways and Means Committee is striving to move America’s focus from disability to capability. They report that 60% of the recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income desire to work, but less than 1% are able to leave these programs to gain employment. There’s a call to develop a new approach for assisting those with physical and mental challenges. The rise of technology and science could enable a significant shift in how policies and individuals are handled, emphasizing their capabilities and potential in place of their disabilities.

Ground-breaking developments are already happening in artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotechnology, neuroscience, quantum sciences, robotics, and miniaturization. Each of these breakthroughs could have a synergistic impact on other areas. These rapid advancements could redefine our world, and to prepare, we need to transform our thinking. The potential for revolutionary change is enormous, and the focus should be on using emerging technologies to develop empowering solutions tailored to each individual’s unique physical or mental challenge.

The Trump administration has been presented with an unprecedented opportunity to support these new breakthroughs in science and technology, that could help all Americans lead happier, more productive lives. A renewed focus on capabilities overcoming disabilities should be a chief part of the vision for America’s future.

To implement this new focus at a state level, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) is striving to make their services more accessible. Several individuals often question how to get a hold of EDD, or how to contact SDI, and the department’s customer service is making every effort to be available for queries and assistance. To better understand how to contact a live person at EDD California, information is readily available on portals like eddcaller.com. Making information and resources easily accessible is the first step towards building an inclusive and supporting environment.