ADA is 30 Viewpoint from a former Becker County Administrator

The hectic times surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic days blend into an endless stream of time that may overwhelm many of us. However, we all should recognize one event as our Nation's 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

July 26th marks the day when we were able to work together in a bipartisan effort to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA opened all public and private places that were open to the general public.

Few of us can recall what it was like in our Nation before the ADA. If disabled and used a wheelchair or had limited mobility, physical barriers blocked access to goods and services and even to the government. If disabled, restrooms and most public transportation were not accessible. You could be paid less than other workers; you could be refused employment just because of your disability. If blind, you had no right to education. Businesses could refuse you service. In other words, if disabled, you could be discriminated against.

All this changed with the ADA.

Signed by President Bush in 1990, this landmark legislation increases access and opportunity for those with disabilities. It represents giving all of us a Nation that recognizes the potential of each of us.

According to Tom Ridge, Former Governor of Pennsylvania and Chairman of the National Organization on Disability, "President Bush knew that our success in the world depends on how well we inspire and put to use the talents and energies of every person in this country."

In this period of social distancing, we need to see that no ability is wasted by artificial barriers such as government websites that are not user-friendly. We need to ensure that each citizens voice can be heard and that our government is representative. Meetings notices at all levels of government need to include:

“If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in
this event, please contact [name] before [event date] via email [email address] or
telephone [number] or TTY [number] to discuss your accessibility needs.”

If someone comes to a government meeting with a service animal, officials should ensure that there is enough space for the animal to sit or rest during the meeting. Ensuring that the meeting is fully accessible, including space for scooter, power chair and wheelchair users is easy to do, if you plan for making it accessible. Materials used at a public meeting, including powerpoint presentations must be equally effective for persons with disabilities. We should have interpreters available if requested in advance. In this time of COVID 19 we need to consider other ways for people to be present or express their views. This would include actually reading and posting public comments and input in the minutes of the meeting.

We need to ensure that everyone counts.

How do we unlock the potential of those with disabilities?

We need to move beyond partisanship and stereotypes. We need to treat everyone with the same respect and consideration that any of us wants. We need to recognize that anyone of us could be disabled at some point in our life.

We should ask, "how we would want any member of our family to be treated."

No individual should be discriminated against based on a disability. Each of us should enjoy the full and equal enjoyment of our Constitutional rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Together, we can ensure this becomes a reality for all in our Nation.