Disability Rights

34 years ago, in 1990, my husband was paralyzed in a construction accident only 8 days before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Our functioning family was suddenly thrown into chaos. In all the years since, I have advocated for real ADA accommodation in our lives.

Only a few months after the accident, our first kid started kindergarten. We were so excited to attend her first ice cream social as a family, only to find out it was happening in a basement room exclusively accessible by stairs. My husband and I sat, alone, on the playground outside. Being disabled did not make him any less of a father, of a partner, of a person — but inaccessibility continually stopped us from living a full, active life as a family.

The ADA has only been around for so long. People need to be aware, so that it can continue to be updated. The public doesn’t think that those with disabilities can do anything, when all they need is access. Disabled people should be able to go out to eat, stay in hotels, go shopping, be in schools, and fly on airplanes. To live a full life in a world that allows them access.