What a difference 25 years have made

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which is now well-known as the ADA, has made a tremendous impact on the landscape of America.

This landmark legislation was signed 25 years ago this month — July 26, 1990 — by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is an important civil rights measure that allows people with disabilities to enjoy the same freedoms as those without disabilities.

Today it is natural to see people with disabilities in the workforce, out shopping, in schools and moving around neighborhoods. This is exactly what the ADA was meant to accomplish — providing the opportunity for all people to reach their personal goals. This legislation has made a huge difference in the lives of millions of Floridians, guaranteeing them the right to be free of discrimination in seeking an education, a job, housing and access to buildings.

However, there are still opportunities to do more. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has more than 50,000 customers who are living in their local communities, which is wonderful. However, only about 3,000 of those individuals are working, with many more looking for the opportunity to go to work. Employment is a focus of many disability organizations, which are working hard to improve those numbers.

To celebrate how far we have come, APD and our partners in the disability community are planning a march on Friday, July 24, to celebrate the anniversary of this important legislation. We are calling the event Celebrate Independence. Some of the organizations participating are: Ability 1st, City of Tallahassee, Blind Services, Family Network on Disabilities, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, The Able Trust, Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, Vocational Rehabilitation, Leon County, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Florida Disabled Outdoors Association.

The march will begin at Park Avenue and Adams Street at 9:30 in the morning and proceed down Adams Street to City Hall. At 10 a.m. in the City Commission Chambers, speakers will talk about the difference the ADA has made in their lives. Well-known disability advocate John Kemp will be the keynote speaker. Senator Bill Montford, County Commission Chairman Mary Ann Lindley and other community leaders will also give remarks.

We invite the public to take a stroll with us in our beautiful Capital City on July 24 to show support for the ADA and all that it has accomplished. We hope you will Celebrate Independence!

Barbara Palmer is the director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, which supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities.