Hello and welcome to the Association for Disabled Americans! We hope our page will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the mission that has brought the Association for Disabled Americans to where we are today, (22) twenty-two years after our mission began. Many have come to realize that the life disabled individuals live is not always the life we want to lead; we need to adapt, to put ourselves in a position that we may one day lead the life we want live. Nothing is ever going to be perfect; however, we have the right to pursue a life that we may consider close enough to be perfect, meaningful, joyful, dignified, and independent. Most of the time, daily activities are interrupted by barriers that seem trivial to one, maybe the difference of independence for someone else. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) is nearing its 22nd anniversary and we are extremely grateful for this special day. Much has changed in the past 22 years. We have come a long way. Close enough to perfect? Not yet…we still have more to accomplish. Thankfully, though, accessibility, acceptance, and understanding are becoming more apparent every day. As long as we have individuals who are willing to speak out when something is not correct and are willing to take that extra step in order to be heard, then and only then, will optimistic change occur. Imagine if 55+ million individuals spoke out about barriers and discrimination. This strong voice would certainly be heard. We are one-fifth of the population, and if you add the elderly, a population that also benefits from the Americans with
Disabilities Act, that’s another 50+ million. Together we could educate businesses, hospitals, malls, building owners, anywhere that anyone may frequent daily. We have the technology and the know-how. Why not use it? When one-third of Americans directly benefit from a law,
it would be criminal not to speak out and help implement changes so that, one day, for example, all new homes will be built with the ADA in mind. Such a change would involve making wider doors, bigger bathrooms, and alternate entrances that wheelchairs/scooters/walkers can enter without great effort. That would be simple and a benefit for anyone, even those who may not yet need these “upgrades.” Remember, at one time or another, even presently able-bodied individuals will require accessible upgrades – everyone ages. Accordingly, this requirement serves the common, short/long-term good. The world we live in changes all the time and the Association for Disabled Americans wants to embody this change as we embark on a new chapter. This is the “New Breath” of the Association: One that is fresh and strong. One that will be heard Worldwide. One with a message from which all may benefit. This change comes with a purpose and with a goal that one day will be reached. No longer should we live our lives dictated by society’s ignorance, not when we have the tools ready. For some of us, our best tool is our mind and then how we communicate with others. Ignorance is a disability that can be cured…with activism and education. Join us in our goal to not only educate our great country but others as well. The world is not immune to disabilities, so there should be more than just an “Americans with Disabilities Act”; in fact, there should be “The Universal Disabilities Act.” Together, by using our Forum, the links to Facebook/Twitter, and other media, we hope to reach all parts of the world with our “Message on a Mission!”
Thank you,
Daniel Ruiz: President
Access Disabilities Advocates
