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Statement on 28th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

Statement on 28th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

By: Vinny Olsziewski,
Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia Disability Caucus

Thursday, July 26, marks the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This landmark bipartisan legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability.   Since its passage, America have taken great strides forward, but there is still a long way to go towards equality.

Housing, transportation, and other public facilities have become much more accessible.  People with disabilities are more prevalent in the workforce and more openly accepted in society.

We see more positive portrayals in popular culture. Toy manufacturers are producing dolls that portray disabilities.  Clothing lines for people with disabilities are appearing.  Even Hollywood is creating characters with disabilities that go beyond stereotypes, with many of these roles being filled by people with disabilities.

Unfortunately, the politicians in Washington seem to be backtracking. We face a President who openly mocked a disabled reporter and never apologized.  His Secretary of Labor supports a sub-minimum wage for people with disabilities, his Education Secretary has led the attack on Special Education, and his Justice Department is asking the Supreme Court to throw out the ACA’s protections for pre-existing conditions.  We need to continue pushing back on these mean-spirited attacks.

Things are no better at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue.  This past spring the House passed H.R. 620, the so-called “ADA Education and Reform Act”, which added additional barriers for people trying to hold businesses accountable to accessibility requirements.  The proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Federal Budget shows us Congress’ backwards priorities. As predicted, the 2017 tax scam gave us an enormous increase in the budget deficit.  Also, as predicted, GOP leadership in Congress is now trying to reduce that deficit by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SSDI. They are callously trying to pay for their giveaways to the wealthiest among us by pick-pocketing the most vulnerable among us.

However, outside of Washington there are glimmers of hope.  The Disability Community, which is the largest minority voting block in the country, is mobilizing.   We were leaders in the 2017 fights to protect Medicaid and the ACA, and we are gearing up for more battles in Congress this fall. More candidates with disabilities are running than ever before.  The Disability Community is ready to flex its political might, and those in its way had better watch out.  To quote Disability Rights activist Joe Dart, “Vote like your life depends on it because it just might.”  That advice is being taken to heart.

Disability Rights have traditionally been a bipartisan issue.  The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush.  It’s two biggest proponents in Congress were former Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Bob Dole (R-KS).  We need to get back to those days.  Let’s hope that the next anniversary allows us to look back on a year we, as Americans, can be proud of.

Happy Anniversary, ADA!

DPG Disability Caucus Statement on the 27th Anniversary of the ADA

Release:  Wednesday, July 26, 2017                                                                                                

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Disability Caucus Chair Vincent Olsziewski issued the following statement on the 27th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.

“Today marks the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law. Since its enactment, the ADA has afforded persons with disabilities far greater access to housing, transportation and many other aspects of this life most take for granted.

“Before the ADA, persons with disabilities faced housing discrimination and were denied education opportunities. Thanks to the enforcement of the ADA, we are no longer segregated in sheltered workshops in the workplace, or paid less than the minimum wage for our labor. The ADA has saved lives, broken down barriers, and ensured the dignity that every single American is owed.

“While we celebrate these achievements, the fight is not over. The U.S. Senate is poised to vote on a health care repeal bill that will devastate persons with disabilities. The GOP’s cuts to Medicaid will strip many of the home and community based services they need to stay healthy and maintain economic security. Governors and state legislators will be forced to either raise taxes to avoid budget shortfalls or cut back and eliminate services all together—particularly here in Georgia where 68.5% of Medicaid spending is covered by federal funding. The GOP’s repeal bill is cruel and fiscally irresponsible.

“The ADA was a bipartisan piece of legislation drafted by a Democrat and signed into law by a Republican president. Equality, access, freedom, and opportunity are above politics, and the DPG’s Disability Caucus urges our leaders to work together to protect and build upon this legacy.”

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Disability Caucus Chair on 25th Anniversary of ADA

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This Sunday, July 26th, marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law. The enactment of the ADA opened new doors of opportunity for people with disabilities across the country.  No longer will people with disabilities worry about whether a public building, venue or transit system is accessible. We can be confident in the knowledge that protections are in place to prevent housing and workplace discrimination. We have the right and the legal standing to fight back.

 

Quite literally, millions of doors are now open, allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in our communities.

 

But since its passage, the ADA has proved to be more than just a legal instrument. Attitudes have changed, creating a more accepting and accommodating culture. Society as a whole sees their neighbors’ abilities rather than seeing their limitations. And for people with disabilities, the concept of achieving the American Dream of independent living is a reality.

 

But our fight isn’t over. Housing, education and employment protections are in place, but we haven’t crossed the finish line yet. Republicans fight in favor of budget cuts that slash funding for health care and lifesaving research. Our leaders need to address transportation issues that affect mobility for the disabled. And we—as a community—need to have an open and honest conversation about mental health.

 

Much like other civil rights movement, vigilance is the key. We cannot rest, and must continuously work to protect these crucial rights.

 

Join the Disability Caucus in celebrating our successes with positive thoughts of how far we’ve come, and where we can be in another 25 years.

 

Let’s keep moving forward,

 

Vincent Olsziewski

Chair, DPG Disability Caucus