Milestones Made in 30 Years
By Director Barbara PalmerThe Americans with Disabilities Act, referred to as the ADA, has made a tremendous impact on the landscape of America. President George H. W. Bush signed this landmark legislation 30 years ago—July 26, 1990. The ADA is an important civil rights measure that allows people with disabilities to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as those without disabilities.
Today, it is natural to see people with disabilities in the workforce, out shopping, in schools, and being a part of their neighborhoods. This is exactly what the ADA was meant to accomplish—providing the chance for all people to reach their personal goals. This legislation has made a huge difference in the lives of millions of Floridians, guaranteeing them the right to be free of discrimination in seeking an education, a job, housing, and access to buildings.
The acceptance of people with all abilities has taken several decades to become the accepted norm in America. However, there are still opportunities to do more. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has more than 55,000 customers with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are living in their local communities, which is wonderful. However, only about 2,800 of those individuals are working, with many more looking for the opportunity to go to work. Employment is a focus of many disability organizations that are working hard to improve those numbers.
To celebrate how far we have come thanks to the ADA, APD and our partners in the disability community are planning two activities on Friday, July 24, to celebrate the anniversary of this important legislation. Some of the organizations participating are: Ability 1st, Blind Services, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, The Able Trust, ABLE United, City of Tallahassee, Leon County, Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, Vocational Rehabilitation, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida Disabled Outdoors Association, and many others.
We will begin the day on July 24 at 9 a.m. (EDT) with a Stroll in Support of the ADA where we are asking every citizen in Florida who supports the Americans with Disabilities Act to go outside and take a stroll around their block using appropriate social distancing. It will accomplish several things by getting people active while also staying safe from large crowds. Several disability organizations will walk in small groups around the Florida Capitol beginning at 9 a.m. exercising social distancing while they stroll.
Beginning at 11 a.m., an online celebration of the ADA will be held. Keynote speakers include self-advocate Whitney Harris, Miss Wheelchair 2018 Shevie Barnes, and the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of South Florida Peter O’Connell. You must register to take part in the online event at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7378323763098407949. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Desloge, and other community leaders will also give remarks. We invite the public to take a stroll with us in our beautiful Capital City and all around the state on July 24 to show support for the ADA and all that it has accomplished. We hope you will celebrate the ADA’s 30 years of success!
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