YOUR VOTE MATTERS:

DISABILITY ADVOCATES CAN HELP CHANGE 

LEGISLATION FOR THE BETTER

When you think about great legislation for people with disabilities, you probably think of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

This important law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, businesses, and transportation. It is designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

“The disability community came together to make this landmark law, showing the collective power we have,” says Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in writing the ADA and getting it passed in her role as US Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H. W. Bush.

Deborah now operates Abilities Count to assist families in navigating disability benefits.

“While passing the ADA was a major achievement for the disability community, much work remains to be done,” she says. “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make your voice heard.”

Thanks to the dedication of countless advocates like Deborah, in the decades since the ADA was passed, we have seen some important progress in public policy and disability awareness.

From lobbying efforts by MDA and other organizations to calls, emails, and letters to representatives by grassroots advocates, making our voices heard has been a powerful tool for change.