The Americans with Disabilities Act: 25 Years Later
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was one of the most controversial and influential laws ever enacted. It benefited those who, at the time, were mostly underrepresented and mistreated individuals. Since this law was passed, there has been a steady increase in justice for the disabled community. It has been a moving 25 years, and with that, many are celebrating this milestone. While July 26th marks the official anniversary, many have decided to celebrate throughout the year. Yesterday, the White House shared a memorable performance and interview session with the cast of Spring Awakening, at the event: "Americans with Disabilities and the Arts: A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion". (If you didn’t have the chance to be there, or were unable to watch the live stream, then you can watch it - HERE). It was a phenomenal performance put on by Deaf West Theatre including choreography, songs, and American Sign Language. On top of this performance, earlier this year, President Obama spoke on the effects that the ADA has had on the quality of all American lives and so much more.
"Thanks to the ADA, the places that comprise our shared American life -- schools, workplaces, movie theaters, courthouses, buses, baseball stadiums, national parks -- they truly belong to everyone."
— President Obama
However, for some, the past 25 years of changes and accomplishments have not been fully grasped. So, in order to truly understand what this Act has accomplished, I have provided a list of some significant changes made to the ADA.
Laws passed to prohibit workplace discrimination, requires wheelchair ramps, and provides telecommunications services for the hearing and speech-impaired
In 1991, the I, II, III, and IV titles became laws. These titles were passed as big steps in the right direction to provide more mobility and communication to those in need. The Title I act prohibiting workplace discrimination helped provide more non-biased job opportunities to the impaired while the wheelchair ramps and communication services allowed for them to get past the previous barriers.
Supreme court narrows the definition of "disability" excluding
those who use "mitigating measures"
During previous court cases around this time, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of narrowing the definition of the term "disability" so as to better protect those who really need it. They started with excluding those who claimed ADA benefits due to the side effects of their medications. During this time, they also ruled to integrate disability services into community settings.
“Unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination”
- Supreme Court, Olmstead v L.C.
ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) law provides protection
The ADAAA was passed during 2008 thanks to George W. Bush. So, seeing how the preceding ruling narrowed the definition of those who could be protected by the ADA, this Amendment was created to reject portions of the ADA regulations. What this meant was that the term "disability" was broadened, thus creating a wider umbrella to accommodate more of those that need it.
Rosa's Law passes - Changes Mental Retardation to Intellectual disability
Before 2010, there were many ongoing pushes to reduce the usage of words suchas idiot and moron. These terms were commonly seen in court documents in the early years. Since then, we have managed to change the way people describe those with mental disabilities. We have come up with more positive terms that help others understand how the previous terms can be hurtful, and are not appropriate to use. Thanks to President Obama signing, we have received Rosa's Law. This law was named after Rosa Marcellino, a girl with Down Syndrome, who worked hard to get rid of the word retarded. Rosa's Law was a successful document that rightfully changed the terms used in the health and education codes from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability".
25th Anniversary!
Finally, we have the current year. While a new amendment or title has not been added to the ADA at this time, this year is significant in the fact that it marks a great milestone that those with disabilities have overcome. Throughout this whole year, the ADA National Network has dedicated themes for each month, celebrating more and more people who have overcome their disability. November's theme was Voting Access, and December will be ADA - Shaping a Universal Future. They also have many ways for you to get involved. Check out their site HERE
What's next for the ADA?
Though everything that has been accomplished in the last 25 years is amazing, that does not mean that the Americans with Disabilities Act is finished evolving. As Helena Berger said, employment is an issue that still needs to be improved. And on top of that, the ADA and the government are working hard to change the pre-existing laws for the better.
"As much as the ADA has helped, when you look at employment — that's one area where the needle hasn't moved."
— Helena Berger, acting president of the American Association of People with Disabilities.
Want to learn more?
Within our campaign, it is important to understand how the Americans with Disabilities Act has evolved and assisted in the lives of those in need. While our main goal is to strive for the disidentification of individuals with their disability, the biggest step in doing so is to form an understanding of what they have been through, and what still needs to change. So, with that said, I Am Not___ is honored to show the film Lives Worth Living (2011). This is an inspiring documentary directed by Eric Neudel that relays real stories and footage explaining the difficulties that those with disabilities had faced before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. It is a life-changing peak into a topic that had not been given the recognition it deserves. Our showing of this film will be Thursday the 19th, at 5pm in Willis Library - Room 340.
For more information: http://adata.org/ada-timeline, http://themighty.com/2015/07/see-how-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-has-changed-over-the-last-25-years-1/
