Today, July 26, 2016, is the 26th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). So happy ADA Day! Here at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC), we’ve had this day as a holiday for years, though our board has now decided to give us the option of taking either ADA Day or Veteran’s Day as a holiday day off.
While much remains to be to done to fully realize the intent of the Act, the ADA has had a significant impact on the ability of people to get access to Assistive Technology devices, environmental adaptations and services to make things easier and sometimes possible.
How are you celebrating ADA Day? In past years, I’ve help organize the Road to Freedom’s national tour in Michigan and attended picnics with fellow activists and their family members. Today, I took the time to shop for accessible products for our new bathroom addition! There are so many different types grab bars available, from purely functional, to multiple functions (like a swing away grab bar which has a toilet paper holder) to some colorful and beautiful options. It’s just so much easier to find things like “Comfort Height” or “Right Height” toilets and single lever handle faucets .
Additional Resources
- The ADA Legacy Project | Preserve.Celebrate.Educate.
- ADA Anniversary | ADA National Network
Meet Jaylen: 17-years old, 2016 graduate of Southwestern Academy, attending Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. this summer majoring in management and marketing, future Gallaudet Bison baseball player, and he’s Deaf. In a society where people like to attach labels and stereotypes, Jaylen has many labels – each label shapes him, but no single one defines him. He visited The Disability Network to meet with Carrie Baugher, Assistive Technology Professional, to try out a variety of items that could benefit him while away at college from the Michigan Assistive Technology Program’s “small changes, Big Differences” kit. Classes will no longer be at 7:25 a.m. Monday through Friday like his high school classes. His class schedule will change throughout the day. A barrier existed in alerting him in waking up in the morning and alerting him throughout the day when he needs to go to class. The solution? Jaylen will use a vibrating alarm clock to wake up each morning and use the alarm clock’s strobe light adaptation during the afternoon to alert him when he needs to leave for class. Obstacles? Pfft. There are zero obstacles that can’t be overcome. Everything is achievable – ask Jaylen!
Reduced Registration Fees and Free Parking. The Michigan Secretary of State offers reduced registration fees for….”a van owned by a wheelchair user or by a person who transports a member of his or her household who uses a wheelchair is eligible for a 50 percent reduction in the standard annual registration fee (additional service fees, such as those for personalizing the plate or for purchasing and renewing a fundraising version, are excluded from the discount). The van is not required to have wheelchair lift equipment. It can be a full-size window van, such as a Ford Econoline or Chevy Express, or a minivan, such as a Dodge Caravan or Toyota Sienna”. You may also be able to obtain a yellow sticker that entitles you to free parking at meters, in parking lots/garages, etc. if your disability prevents you from accessing meters and toll booths. To qualify, the person with a disability must be a licensed driver and a physician must complete part 3 on the application for a disability parking placard or disability parking plate