We are getting ready to celebrate a major anniversary this weekend. On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. It was a watershed moment in the fight for civil rights. For millions of people with disabilities, it marked a promise of access to the basic functions of civic life like voting, public transportation, accessing businesses, and participating in public life. While the ADA was a monumental step forward, it was always meant to be a floor, not a ceiling.
Just yesterday, my husband, Rob, and I experienced a travel day that was all too common but wearisome nonetheless. At our first gate, we stepped in to help an older woman with low vision and limited mobility get to the bathroom because passenger service agents left her alone at her gate for over an hour with no assistance. Later, when Rob needed support after takeoff, the flight attendants weren’t trained to use the in-flight accessibility equipment. They handed it to me and asked me to show them how it worked. On the final leg of our flight, we had a delay on the tarmac which was announced by the pilot. The woman next to me eventually tapped my arm, then signed: “Deaf. Help?” The airline had made no accommodations to make sure she could access safety information. Each of these moments was a reminder: people with disabilities are still too often treated as afterthoughts.
If we care about building a community where everyone belongs, we have to look beyond minimum standards and start asking more questions. Can people not only enter the building, but fully participate in what's happening inside? Can they use the restroom with dignity? Is there signage that works for low vision? Do our public spaces feel welcoming to neurodivergent folks? Are we listening to people with disabilities when we plan programs or design services? None of these questions will appear on a standard ADA checklist, but they are the heart of genuine accessibility.
At The Ability Collective, we believe that people with disabilities shouldn’t have to fight for the bare minimum, and that inclusion is proactive, creative, and rooted in community. This weekend, we’re going to celebrate 35 years of incredible progress thanks to the advocates who worked tirelessly to pass this landmark legislation. On Monday, we will continue to fight for better access and a community where everybody belongs.
If you are interested in learning about how your business or organization can do more to improve accessibility in Barry County, contact Maggie at maggie@theabilitycollective.org.