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Americans with Disabilities Act - 20 Years of Progress
By Clyde E. Terry, JD, CEO

On July 26, 2010, America will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This commemoration is a reaffirmation for many of what is good about America and reminds us that even today as a country we are still a work in progress.

The passage of the ADA twenty years ago was the culmination of years of advocacy and a maturing of the civil rights movement in this country. A movement that saw persons of different race achieve equality in the eyes of the law. It was a movement that saw women be free from second class citizenship, to be able to be an equal partner in the triumphant and treasure of this great land. It was in this same vein that the ADA brought another disaffected segment of our population out of the shadows to secure their rightful place in society. This is the most wide sweeping civil rights statute in the world. At the time it gave hope that exclusion and isolation were a thing of the past and we were to embark in a new direction that in the end would benefit all.

The preamble of the ADA offers the promise to all Americans that equality of opportunity exists for everyone---from that day forward no one should be excluded, discriminated against or otherwise prevented from fully participating and achieving their full potential. 

It is hard to image today, but only a short time ago, a person who used a wheel chair could rarely get on the side walk and if they could, they could only go a block before they would encounter a curb that would limit their freedom and mobility. Stores and offices were riddled with physical barriers such as steps and narrow doorways which barred a person from being able to engage in commerce and fully participate in our way of life. It was not only physical barriers, but attitudinal barriers as well. Stereotyping and just plain ignorance barred a person who was blind, who used a wheel chair or had mental illness from being hired, travelling or even voting.

Today the paradigm has changed and there is growing awareness that indeed everyone does benefit by the provisions of the ADA. The U.S. Census numbers are clear: one in nine children, one in five adults and one in two over the age of sixty five will experience disability. The words and protections of the ADA are not for someone else, they are for all of us. The changes and improvements made as a result of the ADA benefit everyone; for the store owner and restaurant it means more customers, to the employer it means more qualified applicants, for those with disabilities it means a chance at a quality of life that would have been so elusive over two decades ago.

We are not there yet as barriers still exist, our historical buildings pose real architectural challenges, the slow economy has created other barriers which make some accommodations harder to accomplish and the reality of fewer jobs is a particular obstacle to competitive employment. But these interruptions to progress are temporary and will be eliminated as the economy improves. As we all age and disability is a more accepted fact of life our challenge is to find ways to adapt so that as a nation we capture the skill, knowledge, energy and creativity that lies in us all so that we can continue to lead and prosper.

We do not know what the future holds, but we do know that continued advances in science, technology, health care, education and improved attitudes, the future only means greater opportunity for all and the promise of the ADA will be even closer. Happy anniversary ADA.
 

 

Two years ago....

In July 2008, GSIL and NHNSCIA formalized a collaboration that met both organizations needs and resulted in a partnership that truly serves the whole person. The collaboration began when NHNSCIA approached GSIL, as, like many small nonprofits, NHNSCIA was struggling to maintain services to its members at a time when funding sources and charitable contributions were dramatically reduced or eliminated altogether. GSIL was a logical partner; we shared common values, a strong sense of purpose, and a powerful vision to do all we can to empower persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Additionally, GSIL has a proven track record of success and is locally a leader in serving individuals with disabilities. In the last 24 months, NHNSCIA has grown by 300%, serving more than 130 individuals with spinal cord injuries annually. Happy anniversary NHNSCIA!  For more information on NHNSCIA, click here.

About Granite State Independent Living 
Founded in 1980, Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote life with independence for people with disabilities and those experiencing the natural process of aging through advocacy, information, education and support. We recognize the fact that everyone will need some type of support in the course of their lives and offer the necessary tools and resources so individuals can participate as fully as they choose in their lives, families, and communities.

The Combined Federal Campaign: Granite State Independent Living is # 25934  Thank you for your support!

                                                        

 Listen to a podcast of Clyde E. Terry, GSIL's CEO, on the Morning Waking Crew with Mark & Karen

 

GSIL 21 Chenell Dr., Concord, NH 03301 | 603.228.9680 or 800.826.3700, TTY: 888.396.3459 Fax: 603.225.3304