We have come a long way in America by recognizing that people with disabilities have value and the ability to contribute to society. It wasn’t too long ago when society tried to hide people with disabilities from the rest of the world by placing us in institutions or in some cases even worse. In return, some people with disabilities had to resort to hiding themselves and their limitations, ultimately excluding ourselves from the rest of the world.
One strike of a pen did not necessarily change that in an instant. But the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, was helped having some very instrumental people in our corner. People who advocated and supported people with disabilities to secure our place within the Civil Rights Act.
We can’t change the past, we can only move forward, and I know we have. Many of us are now able to not only obtain but maintain successful employment and reach our career goals. We are now able to participate in our communities in a way we never were before. We now have a seat at the table where we were once excluded. The ADA opened doors for us that at one time were not only unreachable but sealed shut. However, we must keep those advocacy efforts going as we still have a lot of work to do.
Moving on to the 35th Anniversary of the ADA, as much as we have progressed, we still find areas that need attention. We still find ourselves stuck at an entrance door, unable to park, or can’t get back into our vehicle because someone parked in the access aisle. Restrooms have improved a great deal, but not all. We continue to work on retro fitting and ensuring new construction is built to minimum standards. Access to governmental services, Title II, continues to improve, but it’s a continued effort that cannot go unchecked. Continuing to educate and provide technical assistance is instrumental in our progression.
My name is Lloyd Sparks, I am a new member of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center’s Advisory Committee, and I have spent a great deal of time advising business owners and governmental entities of their obligations under the ADA here in the State of Montana. Not just focused on the minimum requirements but to the full extent it is feasible to promote inclusion and access for all. Through my commitments with the Advisory Committee, I plan to help further our efforts in building a more accessible and inclusive world for our future and those following us. I will continue to educate and provide technical assistance on the full intent and spirit of the ADA. I also hope to meet and learn from others who share the same passion and goals. Please feel free to contact me anytime, and if you can’t reach me, it probably means I am out fishing 😊.
Happy 35-years!! Now let’s get back to work…