eInsights - May 2010

ADA Celebrates 20 Years

On July 26, 2010, the Americans with Disabilities Act will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Signed into law by President George H. Bush, the ADA the civil rights of people with disabilities. The legislation established a clear and concise national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Over the last 20 years, the ADA has expanded opportunities for individuals in our community by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. Persons with disabilities have set a standard in changing the mindsets of business owners, educators, lawmakers, and the mainstream community. Generations to come will learn lessons from these trailblazers and continue towards more progress.

What we have accomplished

• Employment opportunities – Since the advent of the internet in the 1990s, numerous job opportunity Web sites have arisen that provide employment advice and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. In addition, recent campaigns have been established to raise employer awareness about persons with disabilities. Here are a few popular sites:
  Abilityjobs.com
  Thinkbeyondthelabel.com
  The campaign for disability employment
  Bender Consulting Services
  How to find jobs
• Accessible parking -Referred to as handicap parking, accessible parking has proliferated. Required by the ADA, these reserved parking spaces mean that a person with a disability can gain easier access to restaurants, businesses, and schools. The number of accessible parking spaces that a business must have is regulated by the ADA and is based on the total number of spaces in the parking lot. The ADA also regulates the size of the spaces. Instances of people without disabilities parking in accessible spots have decreased as evidenced by a full parking lot with vacant accessible spaces. Ever-increasing cost of ticket violations proved to be a sure remedy.
• Wheelchair access - ADA declares that all people who are handicapped and use mobility devices such as wheelchairs will be granted access to businesses and schools. According to the Act, wheelchair mobility should not be impeded by a public building or public transportation. Any transportation or building that is meant for public use must be accessible to those in wheelchairs, otherwise it is considered to be discrimination. Businesses have overcome this by ensuring that wheelchair ramps are easily accessible. Kim Patton is a member of the Spina Bifida community that continues to drive that change so that all business owners understand the need for accessibility
• Curb ramp victory - Many take for granted the curb ramps that we use on so many of our streets today. The 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the ADA mandated that curb ramps be installed at all intersections and midblock locations where pedestrian crossings exist. People using wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, crutches, handcarts, bicycles, and also pedestrians with mobility impairments who have trouble stepping up and down high curbs enjoy the benefits of these perfectly designed slopes.

How many Americans are protected by the ADA?
Over 54 million Americans with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit daily activities which include working, walking, talking, seeing, hearing, or caring for oneself are protected under the ADA. People who have a record of such an impairment and those regarded as having an impairment are also protected. On September 25, 2008, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law and became effective on January 1, 2009.

As the Spina Bifida community continues its progress towards equality, we are so thankful for those that set the groundwork for today’s accomplishments. As an organization, we continue to advocate on behalf of the more than166,000 Americans living with this complex birth defect.

ADA Q&A

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eInsights is an electronic newsletter brought to you quarterly by the Spina Bifida Association.