Obama Addresses ADA’s 20th Anniversary

President Obama addressed a ceremony honoring the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, calling it “one of the most comprehensive civil rights bills in the history of this country.”

The law requires buildings, transportation facilities, and commercial facilities to be accessible to the physically challenged and guarantees employee rights for people with disabilities.  President Obama said that the ADA has served to “tear down the physical and social barriers” and stressed “not dependence, but independence”. The President also signed an executive order designed to improve enforcement of the ADA. Read more

Obama Orders Increased Employment of the Disabled

Yesterday, on July 26, President Obama issued an Executive Order to increase the Federal Employment of the Disabled. Citing the 54 million Americans living with disabilities and the need to set an example and reduce workforce discrimination, the order notes that the Federal Government should be a model for the hiring of the disabled.

Additionally, the order has specific time-lines of 60 days and 120 days for federal agencies to design and implement strategies to increase the hiring of the disabled.

We think this is a really encouraging step and commend President Obama for his dedication to employing qualified Americans, no matter what their physical condition.

To read the full press report and text of the Executive Order, visit Whitehouse.gov.

The ADA Turns 20

This year, the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 20 years old, and while not perfect, this piece of legislation has made a profound difference in the lives of countless Americans. As part of our recognition of the impact of the ADA, we’ll be highlighting stories of people whose lives have been positively impacted by the changes brought about by the ADA.

Today we have for you a story from the Minnesota Public Radio News. The Gray sisters, only a year apart in age, have lived profoundly different lives – but both of their lives have been touched by disability.

It’s an excellent story and one that I think really highlights some of the changes in attitude the ADA has brought about. The ADA really put in motion a shift in mindset towards the view that the disabled are valued members of society, and that if you open doors to allow them to contribute, your society as a whole will be all the richer for it.

The short radio program is definitely worth listening to, and if you’d like to read the full story it’s on the Minnesota Public Radio web site: Disabilities Act at 20.

Disabled Employment During the Recession

This year, as we celebrate 20 years since the passage of the ADA, it’s important to note the progress that has been made. Truly, passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark moment. Since that time, the understanding of the general population for those with disabilities has increased greatly. Restaurants are now accessible to those with wheelchairs. Disabled employment has increased. Special parking spaces allow those whose mobility is decreased to park close to shops, and provide extra space to lower van ramps.

Even with the progress that has been made, the situation isn’t perfect. Employers are still hesitant to hire persons with disabilities, for fear that it will cost them money or that the person with a disability won’t be as productive. So today I’m highlighting and sharing a story by D’Arcee Neal, who talks about some of the difficulties that he is facing as he gets close to graduating with a master’s degree in creative writing.

We frequently like to focus on the triumphs of people overcoming difficulties in their lives, but I think it’s important to focus on the realities of what people with disabilities often face, and the will and determination it takes to succeed.

D’Arcee has a very realistic take on what it’s like to be disabled in this economy. I hope you’ll take a look at it to realize that, although the ADA has been a great boon to those with disabilities, it has only been 20 years and we still have a ways to go.

Disabled Employment During the Recession

One Person Really Can Make a Difference

When Ken Fredgren moved into a new town, Reston, he found that he couldn’t get around nearly as well as in his previous town. Ken lives with complications related to polio and uses a small scooter to get around in stores and shopping areas. But what he found in his new town was a lack of ramp access and well-positioned disabled parking spaces.

Through his involvement with the Reston Citizens Association, he founded the Reston Accessibility Committee in 2007, and since then this group has printed brochures, visited business, and raised awareness of access issues for the disabled. This effort has paid off and the community is now much more accessible to those with mobility disabilities.

We just wanted to recognize Ken’s work and effort that one person really can make a positive difference for so many others. Thanks Ken.

You can see the full story here: http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/cms/story.php?id=939