Advocacy

When it comes to basic rights and equal access for people with disabilities, much has been accomplished. There is, however, much room for improvement.

The most significant step in the last 20 years to secure rights for people with disabilities was the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law in 1990.  It guarantees full participation in American society for all people with disabilities, just as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guaranteed the rights of all people regardless of race, sex, national origin or religion.

The ADA prohibits any employer from discriminating against qualified people with disabilities.  In addition, reasonable accommodations and facilities must be provided.  The law goes on to include protection of discrimination by all state and local governments, their departments and agencies, and any other special districts of state or local governments, including public transportation.

Finally, the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by “private entities” operating places of “public accommodation” such as banks, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, shopping centers, privately owned sports arenas, movie theaters, private daycare centers, schools and colleges, accountant or insurance offices, lawyer and doctor offices, museums and health clubs.

Beyond the legal language of the ADA, there is a long list of issues that speak to the very heart of the disabled community: health benefits, medical costs, civil rights, insurance, rehabilitation and training, employment, education and research funding.

A network of organizations and programs help focus the fight. From local support groups to large nationwide watchdogs, you can find just about any size and type of advocacy club you’re interested in.  For example, the Christopher Reeve Foundation’s Action Network is a platform to supporting causes for people living with paralysis, including improving access to health care and increased research funding.