Randall to Introduce Resolution Calling for Disabled Women to be Paid Fairly

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week Congresswomen Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Lateefah Simon (D, CA-12), and Ayanna Pressley (D, MA-07), announced they will introduce the Disabled Women's Equal Pay Day Resolution. This resolution recognizes the persistent pay disparity between disabled women and both disabled and nondisabled men, and it reaffirms the need to reduce systemic, economic barriers and advance economic equity for disabled women.

"We all deserve to live full lives, to be treated with dignity and respect. All people with disabilities still face huge system barriers, and for disabled women they're compounded," said Rep. Randall. "Women with disabilities make less than non-disabled women, and less than disabled men. Government has to do better. As Chair of the Better Pay and Benefits Task Force, I'll keep fighting for working people everywhere to get the pay and benefits they've earned so folks of all abilities can live and thrive in their communities."

According to recent analysis from the National Partnership for Women & Families, disabled women continue to face high-wage gap disparities compared to their nondisabled male counterparts, earning 56 cents for every dollar paid to nondisabled men. The pay gap is even greater for disabled women of color, who are paid 46-55 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic nondisabled men. Additionally, working disabled mothers are paid 44 cents for every dollar paid to nondisabled fathers. According to the National Women's Law Center, disabled women in Washington state were paid as low as $0.65 for every dollar compared to nondisabled men.

This resolution is endorsed by the Democratic Women's Caucus, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF), Disability Culture Lab (DCL), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Disabled Legal Professionals Association (NDLPA), Equal Rights Advocates (ERA), New Disabled South.

"Disabled women of color experience some of the largest pay gaps in our nation- impacting their ability to care for themselves and their loved ones," said Congresswoman Simon. "This is an unacceptable reality, which is why I joined disability champions in Congress, Reps. Pressley and Randall, to introduce this resolution and demand action to undo systemic barriers to equal pay, break down the discrimination that disabled women face, and move towards a future where every individual is valued for their labor without discrimination based on gender, race, or disability."

"Disability rights are human rights. It is shameful that in 2026, women with disabilities are paid 44 cents for every dollar paid to non-disabled fathers-and that wage gap only widens for working disabled women of color," said Congresswoman Pressley. "Our Disabled Women's Equal Pay Day Resolution makes it clear: We must put an end to this economic injustice and make sure everyone gets equal pay for equal work."

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