ADA Anniversary: Reflections on 34 Years of Change in Chattanooga
Chartered on this day, 34 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has made transformative changes in the lives of over 56 million Americans. This groundbreaking act ensured unprecedented rights and opportunities for people with disabilities, a demographic often overlooked and under-represented.
Swift Waves of Change
In the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, residents with disabilities gathered today to reflect on the enormity of this change. The community cherished the long road to progress while celebrating the 34th anniversary of the ADA in Coolidge Park. Dawn Thompson, a Chattanoogan born blind, shared her story with us-
“Before the ADA even came about, I was escorted out of businesses because people didn’t want to take a ‘chance.’ Post-ADA, doors of opportunities started opening up.”
Thompson also spoke about the significance of her guide dog, Millie. It was her first anniversary with Millie today. “Imagine what it would be like if we didn’t have the ADA. Not just for me and Millie, but for all others with handicaps,” she expressed.
Enhanced Visibility and Perception Shift
In retrospect, the ADA did more than just opening opportunities. It also changed the way Americans viewed disabilities, making the invisible visible. Cheryl Zuckerman, Chairperson for Mayor Tim Kelly’s Council on Disability and a person with hearing impairment, shared-
“Not all disabilities can be seen. If I didn’t tell you I was deaf, you wouldn’t know, unless you spotted my hearing aids.”
Hidden disabilities often go unnoticed, leading to unspoken struggles for people like Cheryl. The ADA now offers a tool to combat these unnoticed battles.
The Onward Journey
At the anniversary celebration, Mayor Kelly acknowledged the work that still lies ahead to ensure total inclusivity, beginning with making Frazier Avenue more accessible. He asserted-
“The most recent playgrounds we put in are fully accessible, and they will be from this point going forward. The Avenue also needs to accommodate all activities — sensory integration, not just physical mobility.”
The event also made it clear that inclusivity is not merely a legal obligation but an ongoing commitment towards fairness. “I want to make sure we are one Chattanooga. That includes everyone,” reiterated Zuckerman.
Consistent Commitment
As part of the celebration, the U.S. State Department released a statement affirming their commitment towards disability inclusion both domestically and internationally. They also highlighted meeting their goal for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities, an encouraging news on ADA’s 34th anniversary.
In conclusion, the ADA anniversary is more than just a milestone. It is a reminder and an invitation to work towards an inclusive society, where everyone is embraced – with or without a disability. As Dawn puts it-
“Think of what it would be like if we didn’t have the ADA.”
Indeed, let´s not stop thinking and working towards the cause.
