Today we celebrate the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law protects people with disabilities from discrimination, allowing them to fully participate in society as they see fit.
While much progress has been made in protecting these civil rights, we still have a long way to go. Let’s use this day as a reminder to remain vigilant in the safeguarding of these rights.
Margot Imdieke Cross, Accessibility Specialist with the Minnesota Council on Disability, reflects on life before the ADA:
The vast majority of bathrooms out there weren’t even remotely accessible. So you’d learn how to look for secluded areas, privacy, so that you could take a quick potty break.
Life was so different. And so many of us experienced such injustice in just trying to live our lives. We have to safeguard our rights.
Watch Margot’s Keep Moving Forward video.
Video with expanded audio description
Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act.