J.D. Vance: Candidate Impact on the Neurodiverse Community

About J.D. Vance

J.D. Vance is currently in his first and only term in public office, serving as U.S. Senate representing the State of Ohio. Due to Vance’s brief career in public office, he has yet to vote on legislation surrounding Autism Awareness*. 

Congressional Voting Record on Autism

If J.D. Vance is serious about supporting the Autism community, he can start in his home state of Ohio. The Buckeye State only meets part of the federal special education standards required by the IDEA Act

• ✅ Ohio is fully meeting IDEA Act Part C standards for students at birth to age two. 
• ❌ Ohio is also rated as needing assistance for not meeting federal special education standards in Part B of the IDEA Act for students ages three to twenty one.  

Key Takeaways

Senator Vance is encouraged to use his platform as U.S. Senator to demand Governor Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and the Ohio Legislature get the Buckeye State back in compliance with the IDEA Act. There are close to 250,000 special education students in the State of Ohio counting on them. 

*Americans for Autism Advocacy made a concerted effort to research Senator Vance’s past statements and voting record on Autism.  As of this writing, Senator Vance has not voted on any Autism legislation including the The Autism CARES Act. There have been no other public statements made by Senator Vance on Autism and related neurodiversity issues.  This should not be viewed as a negative reflection towards Senator Vance, but the reality of a lack of voting record from being in elected office for close to only two years.