ADA, Me, and You, too

By Shauncey Battle-Williams

ADA turns 31 this year! Chances are you’re not sure what the ADA is. No, it’s not the American Dental Association… and it’s not the American Diabetes Association either. Although those are impactful organizations, I’m referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990. by former President George H. W. Bush – kind of a big deal. The Act serves as civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and ensures that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as others and that they can participate in everyday American life. In other words, the Act, or ADA as it is known, is an “equal opportunity” law for those with disabilities.

Specifically, title II of the ADA “prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all programs, activities, and services of public entities. It applies to all state and local governments, their departments and agencies, and any other instrumentalities or special purpose districts of state or local governments. It clarifies the requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, for public transportation systems that receive federal financial assistance, and extends coverage to all public entities that provide public transportation, whether or not they receive federal financial assistance. It establishes detailed standards for the operation of public transit systems, including commuter and intercity rail.”1

You may be wondering how all of this affects you; because trust me, it could. The Center for Disease Control reports that nearly 61 million Americans live with disabilities, which is about 26% of our population. Being aware of ADA and having a heart and mind of inclusion is admirable but the reality of the ADA is that one day, we all may need its protection.

“The ADA defines disability as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a history or record of such an impairment, or being perceived by others as having such an impairment.”2 As we grow older, the prevalence of disability increases. There are also other factors like auto or work accidents, and even unknown medical emergencies that could create a disability in any one of us at any time. All of which means that we could identify as someone with a disability. This awareness is not an effort to spread gloom and doom, but rather to shed light on the importance and applicability of the ADA as it relates to everyday life, especially for pedestrians with disabilities. So next time, you repave the street, repair the sidewalk or re-install the pedestrian crosswalk, it may be for your own good.

1. “What is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).” Title II (State and

Local Government), October 2021 version, ADA National Network, adata.org. October 2021. 2. “What is the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).” Title II (State and

Local Government), October 2021 version, ADA National Network, adata.org. October 2021.