Democratic Party of Georgia

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DPG Disability Caucus Statement on the 27th Anniversary of the ADA

Release:  Wednesday, July 26, 2017                                                                                                

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Disability Caucus Chair Vincent Olsziewski issued the following statement on the 27th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.

“Today marks the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law. Since its enactment, the ADA has afforded persons with disabilities far greater access to housing, transportation and many other aspects of this life most take for granted.

“Before the ADA, persons with disabilities faced housing discrimination and were denied education opportunities. Thanks to the enforcement of the ADA, we are no longer segregated in sheltered workshops in the workplace, or paid less than the minimum wage for our labor. The ADA has saved lives, broken down barriers, and ensured the dignity that every single American is owed.

“While we celebrate these achievements, the fight is not over. The U.S. Senate is poised to vote on a health care repeal bill that will devastate persons with disabilities. The GOP’s cuts to Medicaid will strip many of the home and community based services they need to stay healthy and maintain economic security. Governors and state legislators will be forced to either raise taxes to avoid budget shortfalls or cut back and eliminate services all together—particularly here in Georgia where 68.5% of Medicaid spending is covered by federal funding. The GOP’s repeal bill is cruel and fiscally irresponsible.

“The ADA was a bipartisan piece of legislation drafted by a Democrat and signed into law by a Republican president. Equality, access, freedom, and opportunity are above politics, and the DPG’s Disability Caucus urges our leaders to work together to protect and build upon this legacy.”

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Disability Caucus Chair on 25th Anniversary of ADA

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This Sunday, July 26th, marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law. The enactment of the ADA opened new doors of opportunity for people with disabilities across the country.  No longer will people with disabilities worry about whether a public building, venue or transit system is accessible. We can be confident in the knowledge that protections are in place to prevent housing and workplace discrimination. We have the right and the legal standing to fight back.

 

Quite literally, millions of doors are now open, allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in our communities.

 

But since its passage, the ADA has proved to be more than just a legal instrument. Attitudes have changed, creating a more accepting and accommodating culture. Society as a whole sees their neighbors’ abilities rather than seeing their limitations. And for people with disabilities, the concept of achieving the American Dream of independent living is a reality.

 

But our fight isn’t over. Housing, education and employment protections are in place, but we haven’t crossed the finish line yet. Republicans fight in favor of budget cuts that slash funding for health care and lifesaving research. Our leaders need to address transportation issues that affect mobility for the disabled. And we—as a community—need to have an open and honest conversation about mental health.

 

Much like other civil rights movement, vigilance is the key. We cannot rest, and must continuously work to protect these crucial rights.

 

Join the Disability Caucus in celebrating our successes with positive thoughts of how far we’ve come, and where we can be in another 25 years.

 

Let’s keep moving forward,

 

Vincent Olsziewski

Chair, DPG Disability Caucus