GSA’s Post

CELEBRATE BUT ACT When I was injured in 1983, I couldn't imagine the changes that would occur in society as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A movie theater where I could sit and watch next to my friends? Unheard of. So many positive changes in our lived environments and our ability to enjoy sports, entertainment, and travel. Increased access to employment and higher education has grown exponentially. We certainly need to celebrate. But the necessity to act has not gone away. 34 years later I find myself still fighting the basics; many days I feel like I am dealing with segregation. There are steps built in new construction. Certificates of occupancy provided when a newly constructed building has many ADA compliance violations. These include counters that are not accessible in stores, hotels where I find myself fighting to just be able to hit the elevator call button because a garbage can is placed underneath, parking spots with no hashtags to allow a lift to open, employers thinking it is too difficult to work with someone with a disability so they don't hire them, and transportation that has many barriers for all disabilities. I could go on. It's not convenient to have these barriers and it's certainly not convenient to always have to fight. I've always said it takes a village, but the village includes those that make these barriers when they are not needed. Include individuals with disabilities at the table. Ask, research, it's not hard. We are moving exponentially into a new era of AI and other advanced technology. This is an opportunity to get individuals with disabilities at the table so that we move towards a world that is more inclusive and not less. Please, let's all be involved in making inclusion the rule and not the exception. It's a win-win. Be willing to learn, understand, and change your mentality if you think that accommodating those with disabilities and compliance with the ADA will hurt your business or be too complex and expensive. There is ample evidence that will show otherwise. #ADA #inclusion #WeAreBillionStrong #violations #ItTakesAVillage Debra Ruh Kimberly B. Annie Tulkin Ali Ingersoll Gerard Arnum Soula Antoniou

34 years is an amazing legacy. The leadership the US has provided sine 1990 has been an invaluable influence to disability rights in countries around the world. But 34 later and what's changed in architectural, interior design, landscaping, urban planning, and industrial design, etc. education to ensure disability inclusion for disabled people and veterans is not only fully aligned with the ADA minimums but teaching beyond minimums, aiming for innovation and excellence? Where are the current and future changes to licensing and manditory post secondary education? Fully and usable disability inclusion won't be successful until building code legislation, education, policy, etc. are aligned to finally ensure accessibility is a fundamental principle to successful, sustainable design. How many more years until that happens? #ADA #ADA34 #legislation #policy #disability #inclusion #accessibility #UniversalDesign #architecture #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanPlanning #design #education #CultureChange #demographics #HumanRights #ethics #equity #DisabilityJustice

Interested in learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Click here to learn more. Check out my blog post https://wix.to/n8mExxk #newblogpost

The 2024 theme for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) anniversary is "Beyond Barriers". The theme celebrates the ADA's commitment to eliminating systemic, attitudinal, and physical obstacles. The 34th anniversary of the ADA will be celebrated on July 26, 2024 #ADA34 #BeyondBarriers #DisabilityPrideMonth #RemoveTheAsk #ChristmasInJuly #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #WeAreBillionStrong

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! On this day, we honor the powerful impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark legislation has been a cornerstone in advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessibility, and promoting full participation in all aspects of society. As we celebrate this anniversary, let’s reflect on the progress we’ve made and renew our dedication to ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive. Here’s to the continued journey toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all. #ADAAnniversary #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #AccessibleCommunities #CelebratingDiversity #EqualityForAll #BreakingBarriers #ADA #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct

What's inspiring to me about the impact of the #ADA over the last 34 years, is the fact that advances in technology and policy aimed at creating #equity for folks with disabilities end up creating better living, learning, and working conditions for everyone. When we design with the voices & needs of people who have been historically marginalized in mind, we create a better society period. #disabilityindependenceday #inclusion #accessibility #diversityequityinclusion #accessibletech https://lnkd.in/etSU9qtP

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a milestone in civil rights legislation! The ADA has transformed the lives of individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to employment, education, transportation and public spaces. It's a testament to the progress we've made in creating a more inclusive society. The ADA defines disability broadly, recognizing not only physical or mental impairments but also societal perceptions and barriers. This holistic approach acknowledges the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and works to dismantle them. As we celebrate this historic achievement, let's also reflect on the work that still lies ahead. Continue to advocate for equal rights and opportunities for all individuals. #ADAanniversary #InclusiveCommunities

Yes indeed. Effective communication is critical for inclusion for all

Did you know? About 18.6 million Americans with disabilities face challenges using transportation. This stops them from being independent and joining in with others. How You Can Help: Speak Up: Support rules and programs that help make transportation easier for everyone. Tell Others: Share stories and facts to teach people why it's important to have transportation that works for everyone. Work Together: Team up with groups in your area to make transportation better. For more information on transportation barriers faced by people with disabilities, check out: https://ow.ly/yfeE50SENjP #MonthlyChallenge #InclusiveSolutions #CenterOnDisability

July 26, 1990, marked a significant milestone in the fight for equality and inclusivity with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, housing, and access to various government programs and services. Since its enactment, July has been designated as Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the many unique talents and skills of people living with disabilities. Disability, whether visible or invisible, can happen at any point in a person's lifetime. Each individual’s experience with disability is unique, underscoring the importance of recognizing and celebrating this diversity. Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to expand our consciousness of those living with disabilities and to reflect upon their contributions. Increased awareness invites opportunities to change how disability is perceived, end stigmas, and promote an appreciation of disability as a natural part of human diversity. As we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA, here are 34 amazing things to celebrate and honor the contributions and achievements of individuals with disabilities: