Our discussion will address the direct care crisis and how ableism in healthcare is reinforced by policies such as the legalization of physician-assisted suicide which target people who are at-risk.  

Jesse Bethke Gomez is Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. MCIL is committed to empowering members of the disability community on a pathway to overcome barriers and to discover access, choices, and the possibilities to realize their goals and aspirations. Jesse served as Vice President of University Planning and Advancement at Metropolitan State University. He was also President of CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio) for 16 years which grew to be a nationally recognized agency for its work in responsive health care including behavioral health and newcomer communities.