celebrating 30 years of the ADA
Capitalizing on 30 years of progress, states continue to lead the fight for individuals with disabilities by Dina Klimkina
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has led to considerable improvements in the lives of individuals with disabilities over the previous 30 years. Marking the 25th anniversary of the ADA, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston conducted a survey titled “The Impact of the ADA in American Communities.” According to the survey, some of the greatest impacts of the ADA include:
» Improvements to public accommodations » Improvements to self-esteem for individuals with disabilities » Access to transportation » Improved quality of life » Access to independent and community living ISSUE 3 2020 | CAPITOL IDEAS
» Improved public awareness about the ADA and disability etiquette
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“As a parent who uses a wheelchair and has two children — now 8 and 10 — who have mobility impairments, the ADA’s impact on ‘simple things’ like accessible restrooms and accessible diaper changing stations has made all the difference in my family’s successful inclusion in our community,” stated a survey participant.
Under Title II of the ADA, states are mandated to ensure nondiscrimination. States are uniquely positioned to address the needs of individuals within their states through state policy and programming. In fact, states have led the charge in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities not only through state boards, councils, caucuses and commissions on disabilities, but also through programs and initiatives which encourage improvements in accessibility, transportation, disability awareness and etiquette, employment and education services and more. One way states work to prioritize individuals with disabilities is through legislative caucuses, governor’s councils and/ or task forces on disability. These groups, often bi-partisan, focus on bringing disability issues to the forefront of the public policy discussion, improving disability etiquette, promoting the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the legislative process and/or targeting specific issues, such as health care, employment, housing, education and service provision, among many other issues. Some groups also focus on a specific sector of the population, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other groups.
