Breaking Barriers: ADA Turns 35 and Our Fight Continues!
Defining the ADA: A Landmark for Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This groundbreaking legislation changed the lives of millions in the United States by prohibiting discrimination based on disability and mandating accessibility in workplaces, transportation, public spaces, and more.
On March 12, 1990, activists with physical disabilities in wheelchairs crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol in what became known as the historic "Capitol Crawl." This powerful demonstration brought disability rights into the public consciousness and accelerated the passage of the ADA.
Strong-willed activists gathered on the U.S. Capitol stairs in March 1990 to demand accommodations and highlight the urgent need for disability rights.
HLAA's Crucial Role in ADA Development
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) played a pivotal role in this monumental fight to ensure people with hearing loss would not be left out. HLAA was prominently represented on the board that drafted the ADA regulations guiding communications for people with hearing loss, working alongside leaders in the Deaf community.
This collaboration ensured access to Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) beyond American Sign Language (ASL), including:
Captioning services
Assistive listening systems
Hearing loops
Auracast technology
Amplified and captioned phones
Hearing aid compatible devices
Written materials and transcripts
Visual and tactile alarms
The Fight Continues: Why ADA Still Matters
Despite being 36 years old, the ADA's work is far from complete. Many public places still do not offer effective communication access or accommodations, often limiting options to ASL, which is used by only 2.8 percent of adults with hearing loss.
Our hearing loss community continues to fight for the rights of 50 million Americans with hearing loss, advocating for:
Accessible and affordable hearing healthcare
Expanded treatment options at federal and local levels
Captioning in theaters and entertainment venues
Hearing assistive technology in public venues
Fully accessible cell phones
Over-the-counter hearing aids
Resources and education for healthcare providers
Inclusive communication practices
Empowering people with hearing loss to speak up for their rights
VAdams Coaching and Empower and Hear
As a hearing loss coach and advocate, I'm committed to continuing this important work. The ADA gave us a foundation, but building an accessible world requires ongoing dedication and education.
To learn more about hearing loss advocacy, strategies for thriving with hearing loss, and how you can get involved, visit my website at www.valeciaadams.com.
Follow me on social media for updates, tips, and community support:
@valeciaadams
@empowerandhear
Resource: Hearing Life e-News
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Blessings,
Coach V.
