Event marks ADA's anniversary, its importance to people's daily lives

Leader-Telegram - 7/27/2017

July 27--Tucked amid the regular bustle of Wednesday's downtown farmers market, a cluster of people congregated near a display with colorful signs celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Some of the spectators were in wheelchairs, others had a service dog by their side. Many stood and moved around without any visible aid. Despite those differences, the crowd was united in their desire to commemorate the 27th anniversary of an act that many of them say drastically improves their quality of life.

"This is a law that lets people work, play, love and do the ordinary things of life," said co-organizer Katherine Schneider, who was born blind.

The anniversary celebration was hosted through Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative and the Center for Independent Living. Representatives from the Aging and Disability Resource Center also were present.

According to U.S. census data, 1 in 5 people has a disability. That's what makes the ADA so significant, Schneider said -- it helps that portion of the population live life on equal footing with those who do not have a disability.

Schneider, an author, reflected on what life was like for her and others with disabilities before the act that prohibits discrimination based on disability became law. She uses a service dog, and before the ADA, Schneider said, she had to worry about whether her helper would be allowed on an airplane or in other public spaces.

"Before (the ADA), people would do nice things, but they didn't have to," Schneider said, later noting her worry about potential Medicaid cuts and the impact that would have on people with disabilities. "The fact that there's a law that requires you to provide access gives that one in five equality."

That equality comes in ways most people wouldn't think about, she said. While many consider wheelchair ramps as hand-in-hand with the ADA, she said, the act is also responsible for smaller everyday accommodations, such as Braille numbers in elevators.

And just because it doesn't look as though someone has a disability, that doesn't mean it's not there, event organizers said.

"You would look at me and not realize at all," said Kari-Ann Nelson, another organizer of the celebration. Nelson has multiple sclerosis, a history of depression and an auditory processing disorder, she said. "Most disabilities are invisible."

Schneider said the best way to honor the ADA in everyday life is to be conscious about including those around you.

"Take a risk," Schneider said, noting people are often nervous about interacting with those who have a disability. "That's one way to celebrate (ADA). Talk to someone with a disability. Invite them to do something. Assume that they have something to contribute."

Contact: 715-830-5828, lauren.french@ecpc.com, @LaurenKFrench on Twitter

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