The ADA’s 19th birthday: Cause for celebration?
July 24th, 2009While some celebrated the 19th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabiities Act (ADA), others were critical of the slow pace of progress toward equality for people with disabilities. Here’s a sample.
From Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis:
Unfortunately, the employment rate for people with disabilities in this country is still unacceptably low. Only 22.6 percent of individuals with disabilities are participating in the labor force, compared to 71.9 percent of people with no disability. And although the federal government strives to be a model employer, in actuality the number of people with disabilities in the federal workforce has decreased over the past decade. This trend must be reversed, and the Department of Labor will be a leader in the effort.
From former President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law 19 years ago:
There is no place in our society for prejudice of any kind, yet it was not that long ago when Americans with disabilities were often not given equal rights and opportunities. Whether the cause was ignorance or indifference, it was not acceptable. We can all take pride in how much the ADA has accomplished, which is evident every time you attend a sporting event, ride the subway, or go to work. Yet, there is always more to be done …
From Robert S. Cole in the White Plains, NY, Journal News:
… Barack Obama has other issues on his plate …
This means continued barriers to entry into the economic and social mainstreams by people with disabilities. There will be more frustration and wasted resources, too, because studies from innumerable sources tell us this population sector brings valued skills, attitudes and attendance records to the workplace.
Sorry, this is not a time for celebration or complacency about the ADA. We have to do better.
From Attorney General Eric Holder:
It is fitting that the President will mark this anniversary by signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty inspired by the ADA that will incorporate principles of empowerment and integration into international law. Just as America’s leadership 19 years ago inspired the world to join the cause, our renewed commitment to promoting and enforcing our laws today will continue to bring us closer to the goal of true equality for all.
See also:
Celebrating 19 years of breaking down barriers — KOAM-TV Kansas
ADA event highlights — [St. George, Utah] Spectrum
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July 24th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Amen. With no support to properly enforce ADA guidelines & safeguards, compliance has become nothing more than an annoyance for many businesses, designers, and contractors who are finding ways to get around it.
When parents and caregivers have only the legal system to challenge the districts school’s interpretation of providing a free and appropriate public education, we still have a very long long way to go.
And for the many adults with disability labels who will be losing their housing & jobs throughout the country and for the many more who go without, I find no reason for celebrating.