Tomorrow we enter the 25th year of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result of this landmark legislation, the playing field has been leveled for people with disabilities. Contrary to popular belief, the main focus was not accessibility, but employment. Along with that though, in conjunction, public places were required to consider people with disabilities when building, remodeling, etc. Most importantly, it entitled that I and all others with disabilities have a fair shot when obtaining employment. It is not affirmative action. It does not guarantee that I will get a job over someone who does not have a disability. One aspect that often gets overlooked when discussing the ADA is the important piece about providing accommodations. The law states that in order to perform the essential functions of the job, employers must provide reasonable accommodations.
How was that for a brief history lesson?
Until you know, wait let me qualify that, until you've spent time with a person with a disability, chances are you've never considered most of the things covered by the ADA. For me. these are things I must consider almost every single day. Are doorways wide enough, can I maneuver down that aisle, where is the accessible parking, what about curb cuts and ramps, elevators and bathrooms? Until you realize your daughter can't access her high school, your sister can't get into that restaurant, your niece can't fit in that doorway, or your friend can't use that bathroom by herself because it simply isn't big enough, chances are you really don't know what it is people with disabilities deal with on a regular basis.
This is not me complaining- to the contrary, my hope is that you come away with an appreciation for the ADA and all that it has afforded me and so many other people, past, present, and future. Sure, there is much to be done in terms of accessibility: bathrooms could be bigger and more universal, service elevators could be more accessible, curb cuts could be safer, sidewalks could be less bumpy, and ramps could be improved, etc.
Whether out in public or at somebody's house, I try hard to remember that it could always be worse. My life is an adventure and I will live it to the fullest. Some days I am exhausted, some days I'm frustrated, but regardless, I refuse to sit idly by as life happens around me. Awhile ago, in the midst of a pity party, I had to be reminded that I did not choose my disability, therefore there's nothing I can do about it but deal with it and move on. Disability or not, bitterness has never done anyone any good.
How was that for a brief history lesson?
Until you know, wait let me qualify that, until you've spent time with a person with a disability, chances are you've never considered most of the things covered by the ADA. For me. these are things I must consider almost every single day. Are doorways wide enough, can I maneuver down that aisle, where is the accessible parking, what about curb cuts and ramps, elevators and bathrooms? Until you realize your daughter can't access her high school, your sister can't get into that restaurant, your niece can't fit in that doorway, or your friend can't use that bathroom by herself because it simply isn't big enough, chances are you really don't know what it is people with disabilities deal with on a regular basis.
This is not me complaining- to the contrary, my hope is that you come away with an appreciation for the ADA and all that it has afforded me and so many other people, past, present, and future. Sure, there is much to be done in terms of accessibility: bathrooms could be bigger and more universal, service elevators could be more accessible, curb cuts could be safer, sidewalks could be less bumpy, and ramps could be improved, etc.
Whether out in public or at somebody's house, I try hard to remember that it could always be worse. My life is an adventure and I will live it to the fullest. Some days I am exhausted, some days I'm frustrated, but regardless, I refuse to sit idly by as life happens around me. Awhile ago, in the midst of a pity party, I had to be reminded that I did not choose my disability, therefore there's nothing I can do about it but deal with it and move on. Disability or not, bitterness has never done anyone any good.
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