When David Paterson became New York’s new governor following Eliot Spitzer’s spectacular fall from grace last month, newsrooms all over the state were dreaming up endless ways to cover the historic events. The new governor is African-American, so reporters fanned out into their communities to get reaction from black citizens. Paterson took the helm in Albany, N.Y., as the state budget deadline neared, so there were stories on what role he would take in budget negotiations. And, of course, there were the unfortunate stories he brought on himself by admitting to extramarital affairs and drug use.
In the rush to cover all the angles, little attention was paid to New Yorkers with disabilities and what they expected from a governor who is disabled himself (Paterson is legally blind). Pursuing a man/woman-in-the-street piece wasn’t enough because, frankly, this was a rare opportunity to go much deeper. Since media usually classify disability coverage as a way to inspire or uplift their readers/listeners/viewers, this was a chance to finally get the major issues and the serious problems on the record.
I started my research for a piece I wrote earlier this week with the local Independent Living Project, which advocates for people with disabilities. The organizers there put me in touch with advocates on the state level. I also interviewed a student at a local college who articulately explained the bias he faces as a student who is, like the governor, African American and disabled. Their worlds are far, far apart.
Many interviewed for the piece seemed surprised to be asked questions about unemployment, transportation, voting and education because so few reporters go into that much depth on disability issues. The one stumbling block was Paterson’s press staff, which did not respond to e-mail questions.
It’s important for New Yorkers with disabilities to know whether their issues are on the governor’s agenda — or not. Hopefully, once the budget fracas is settled, other papers around the state will find out for them.
