THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AT 30 -- PART 17

VOICES OF VICTORY, CELEBRATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS

AND REMAINING CHALLENGES 

Heidi Johnson-Wright is an author, speaker and ADA compliance professional who has used a power wheelchair for mobility for 35 years. 

She graduated from law school and got married – to this writer -- all before the ADA was enacted. Her experience with the federal law spans its entire history.

“One of the big challenges is getting people to understand that the ADA is a civil rights law and not a building code. 

While people are a lot more informed today, there are still those who hear “ADA” and think it consists solely of curb ramps and restroom stalls,” she said. 

“So, it’s my job to explain how the ADA applies to access to programs and services. 

For the most part, people want to do the right thing. 

They sometimes feel awkward around people with disabilities and are looking for guidance.”