The ADA: 15 Years and Counting!
by
David Hadlich
The Twin Cities disability community celebrated the 15th anniversary
of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26,
2005. Hosted by a passionate and diverse organizing committee and
supported by a number of local non-profit organizations and businesses,
the event attracted over 600 participants and 70 vendors to the Earle
Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center.
John Hockenberry, three-time Peabody award winner and four-time
Emmy Award winner, was the keynote speaker at the event. Hockenberry
is a nationally renowned journalist with over two decades experience
in network, cable, and radio. He is also an author and actor.
Hockenberry was welcomed by an eager audience. He spoke of a recent
article in Parade that highlighted his accomplishments (and provided
him with a family Christmas photo!), and how the ADA has evolved
by the disability community pushing it forward, holding the firm
belief that all Americans benefit from the inclusion of individuals
with disabilities. His message of progress, from the passage of ADA
to now, was infused with humor and the sense that this is just the
beginning of the journey.
Barry Taylor, Legal Advocacy Director at Equip for Equality, provided
the morning address on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and their
affect on the community. Many other presenters were available to
the participants, sharing their personal insight and experiences
during breakout sessions throughout the day.
The 15th Anniversary of the ADA gives us all the opportunity to
reflect on how far the disability community and society have come,
and how far we have yet to travel. The passage of an act or law merely
provides the basis for change to occur. As with any other great social
movement, the change itself takes place over time, with the sweat
and effort and tears and struggle of many, and, sometimes, the resistance
of others.
But progress is progress, and it is within this context that not
only the disability community, but also all of society should celebrate.
Fifteen years of progress, and many more to go. It was a day of happiness
and smiles, in recognition of how much things have changed, and how
much there is to celebrate, as well as the quiet (and sometimes not
so quiet) resolve of things yet to come.
The future of the ADA, and the future of the disability community
as a whole, is tied to many things, but most certainly connected
to how the community portrays itself to those outside the community,
and how society as a whole steps up and supports the change.
Take, for example, Jim
and Claudia Carlisle, who founded People Enhancing People, a consumer-directed
PCA choice organization. The Carlisles’ mission is to nurture a rewarding personal care
experience and fortify the independence of persons with disabilities.
People Enhancing People has grown and is a true partnership of people
with and without disabilities. The Carlisles’ story is one
of many showing true integration of people with and without disabilities
who are working together to create something that benefits all of
society.
Or how about Kevin Kling?
Locally renowned and nationally recognized, his writing and story
telling has been entertaining and informing for many years in many
ways. He has reached audiences from Sweden, to Australia to the
Czech Republic, and has gathered a shelf-full of awards along the
way. His unique ability to impart humor and wisdom is truly a local
and national treasure. Humor is such an integral part of our lives,
and is an essential element in the maturity of a movement. The
ability to see humor in every day life, especially one’s
own, is a critical step in growing.
Other organizations have joined forces for the benefit of the movement.
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a group
comprised of leaders in the disability community and has been a shining
example of putting aside individual needs for the advancement of
the movement as a whole. Their ability to build positive bipartisan
relationships has helped secure legislation that will enable thousands
of Minnesotans with disabilities to live healthier and more independent
lives.
So smile, celebrate, and laugh. The ADA is 15 years old! But let’s
not forget, it is a journey of years and tears; and we have just
begun.
