Happy 34th Anniversary Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be celebrating its 34^th anniversary on July 26^th. The ADA that was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990. Because of the ADA, I have the freedom as a person with a disability to have a good life. And a good life is what I have. Learn what this anniversary means from Nate and Maria, two of my guest bloggers.

Shari

Nate- The Americans with Disabilities Act for me signifies freedom. Freedom to move through my community, travel, access quality healthcare, and pursue a fulfilling career. It is also the right to use technology that enhances my life. We must keep pushing for advancements in technology, healthcare, and public spaces to ensure true inclusion for all.

Maria- The ADA became law in 1990 and is one of America’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation. Each year, the disability community recognizes the fight for civil rights of and for people with disabilities. This fight gave individuals with disabilities the right to work, access to vote, to travel, to earn an education, and to fully participate in society. But this fight is not over.

There is still much more work to be done to remove the barriers that exist and that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully in our community. Society still does not fully embrace our community members with disabilities.

After years of advocating and protesting for equal rights, the fight of the disability community was finally heard. Unfortunately, 34 years later, the ADA is still not recognized by many. Accommodations are still viewed as “optional” rather than a requirement and individuals with disabilities are still fighting for access and equal rights. Individuals with disabilities are still treated as second class citizens who should be thankful for what is given to them. Society’s view suggests that people with disabilities are less capable than non-disabled individuals. Attitudes, towards people with disabilities, are often more disabling than the disability itself.

In a study done in 2019 one in four Americans report having a disability. These statistics make the disability community the largest “minority” demographics in the nation. Yet, our voices are still not heard.

Disability is a natural part of the human experience. The Disability Culture is the only culture that everyone will join at some point in their life.

I ask every person to take a stand with the disability community, if not for us, for yourself and your future. Challenge these attitudes and beliefs.

In the words of a dear friend, disability rights activist and the Commander himself, Roland Sykes:

Become the unstoppable force that moves the immovable object.

Thanks, Americans with Disabilities Act for giving us freedom!