“This Act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard. Independence, freedom of choice, control of their own lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream,” said President George H.W. Bush when he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990.
Those of us with disabilities agree with this statement. We found it amazing that our fight for equality took so long to come to fruition. However, when that glorious day arrived in 1990, we all rejoiced. Our civil rights were now protected by a landmark piece of federal legislation.
The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living sponsored a celebration at Illinois Valley Industries in Morris on July 26 to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the ADA. Dozens of people with disabilities, WGCIL staff members, plus board members Brent Newman and John Stanton, enjoyed a picnic-style dinner and program.
Celebrating this historic piece of legislation that guarantees equal access and equal opportunity is important to people with disabilities and the general public.
Many physical and communication barriers have been eliminated. It is now common to see curb cuts with truncated domes, lifts on public buses and trains, computer software for people with vision disabilities, captioning on television programs, etc.
Sadly, the unemployment rate among working-age people with disabilities still hovers at 70 percent. Additionally, the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court’s order that states create a plan to allow people with disabilities living in institutions the opportunity to move into the community has not been fully achieved.
Those of us in the independent living/disability rights field will continue to work to remove barriers so our neighbors with disabilities may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A United Way organization, the Center opened its Morris office in January. The Center is pleased to have a physical presence in Grundy County since transportation to Joliet is often difficult to find. The Grundy County Housing Authority has been a terrific partner in helping as the Center strives to serve more Grundy county residents with all types of disabilities, of all ages.
#By Pam Heavens — Executive Director — Will Grundy Center for Independent Living: As posted at the Morris Daily Herald on August 5, 2011
For the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living: http://will-grundycil.org/
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