Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) gave an emotional description of how transcription services have enabled him to continue serving after suffering a major stroke last year.
Speaking at a Senate Aging Committee hearing, Fetterman held up his iPhone to show off a transcription app and noted: “Because I live in a political environment, I was ridiculed and made fun of because I wasn’t able to process things sometimes.”
His voice breaking, Fetterman told the witnesses: “I’m so sorry that I’m sure many of you had to go through this kind of thing. I was lucky to go through my life — the vast majority of that — without this disability that I have.”
He spoke at the hearing on providing accessible government technology for veterans, older Americans and those with disabilities. Fetterman’s struggles with auditory processing following his stroke became a major issue in the waning days of the Senate campaign.
Context: Plenty of other lawmakers use technology, like hearing aids and mobility devices, in order to do their jobs. Fetterman also has a screen at his desk in the Senate chamber — where phone use is frowned upon — as a basic accommodation coordinated by the Senate sergeant at arms.
