Sunday, July 26, 2020

THE ADA AT 30

The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30 today (July 26)
I hope America celebrates the anniversary by digging deeper to understand what gains have been made and what challenges remain.

For the record, as the spouse of a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility, there are countless remaining challenges before People With Disabilities (PWD) gain anything remotely resembling equity.

Groundbreaking federal Civil Rights legislation -- that recognizes the legal need/appropriateness for people with a wide range of disabilities to be accommodated in their daily lives – is something positive for everyone.

Anyone can join the disability community. The CDC reports that one in four people will experience disability in their lifetime.

Every PWD (and their extended community of companions, friends, co-workers, caregivers, health professionals, personal care attendants, etc) could write a book about trials, triumphs and lingering frustrations.

I hope mainstream America can take a moment away from the very valid priorities of COVID response and protesting police brutality and inequality for people of color – to explore the ADA and its impact.

For PWD, it’s time to challenge the status quo and double down on upholding rights gained over the past three decades (they are in danger from the right wing).

PWD and everyone should be pushing the public and private sectors to create more equity in the next 10 years than has been achieved in the past 30.



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