Chattanooga Residents Reflect on 34th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — As Friday marked the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Chattanooga residents with disabilities took the opportunity to reflect on the monumental change brought about by the legislation. The ADA, introduced by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, was a milestone in civil rights, granting comprehensive protections for people with disabilities for the first time.

Recognizing Significant Progress

Chattanooga’s city officials commemorated this landmark law on Friday by holding an event in Coolidge Park. Several inhabitants of the city who live with disabilities shared stories of how the ADA impacted their lives. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over 56 million Americans have benefitted from the provisions of this act, including Chattanooga residents like Dawn Thompson.

“Imagine life without the ADA, not only for me and Millie but for all the other people living with disabilities,” Thompson, who is visually impaired, says. She recently celebrated her one-year anniversary with her guide dog, Millie.

Personal Journeys in a Pre- and Post-ADA World

Thompson recalled her experiences before the ADA was signed into law, stating that she was often led out of businesses as people were unwilling to accommodate her. The ADA served as a beacon of change as it paved the way for Thompson and many others to access previously closed-off opportunities.

“The ADA opened more doors for me and granted me more opportunities. Initially, seeing my white cane, people would exclaim, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re blind,’ but things have changed now,” she said.

The ADA has similarly aided Cheryl Zuckerman, the chairperson for the Mayor’s council on disability who herself lives with a hearing disability. “Being a person with a disability myself, I found out about this council and wanted to be a part of it,” Zuckerman shared. For some, such as councilmember Deborah Duncan, the ADA has offered protection and restorative rights for their loved ones who live with disabilities.

Zuckerman highlighted that disabilities aren’t always visible. “If I didn’t tell you I was deaf, you wouldn’t know, unless you noticed my hearing aids.”

Mayor Tim Kelly’s Commitment and Future Plans

During the city’s celebration of the ADA’s anniversary, Mayor Kelly read a proclamation emphasizing that the city’s recent additions to playgrounds are fully accessible, a standard they plan to uphold for future infrastructure. He also addressed planned modifications to Frazier Avenue and other Chattanooga venues to accommodate sensory integration and physical mobility.

“We have to ensure that our city remains inclusive for all. I am committed to ensuring that we are one Chattanooga, inclusive of everyone,” Zuckerman echoed in support of Mayor Kelly’s sentiments.

In line with the celebration, the U.S. State Department released a statement affirming their commitment to promoting disability inclusion at home and abroad, while recognizing that they have surpassed their goal for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities.