The History behind the ADA

The History behind the ADA doesn’t start with one person. It starts with the millions of disabled people who make up the disability rights movement, the millions who have constantly worked to organize and attend protests, spoken up, lobbied, filed lawsuits and faced arrest.

Camp Janed

Camp Janed was a summer camp for disabled teenagers in the Catskill Mountains near Hunter, New York.

The camp was founded in 1951 and remained open for 26 years before being temporarily closed. The camp later reopened in 1951 and was permanently closed in 2009. Approximately 120 campers attended the camp each summer.

For many campers, this camp was the first place where people didn’t look at them based on their disability. They were able to do activities like any other kids, including swimming and basketball, and they also felt empowered to advocate for themselves.

Moreover, Janed maintained a free-spirited atmosphere, usually with little guardian supervision. This allowed for social independence for disabled teenagers. Although there were other camps during this time, it was one of the most notable for its activism and it’s atmosphere.

After Camp Janed

After summer camp, many campers moved to Berkley and became very involved in the Center of Independent Living, the U.S’ first organization run by and made for people with disabilities. Some key people from this movement include Judith Heumann and Jim LeBrecht, who became leaders in fighting for equal rights.

This organization became the start for the Indeendent Living movement. The Independent Living Movement is a civil-rights movement that allows people to have independence when living.

Congress passed other laws, including The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws gave legal protection from discrimination against the disabled community in public areas, education and employment.

We still have more work to do

Although there are numerous laws that have made significant changes in the last three decades, there are still many barriers that disabled people face. Accessible ramps and entrances are more common, but there are still many spaces that remain inaccessible.

Even though it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, it still happens on a daily basis. Disabled individuals often face misconceptions and a lack of awareness in the community. These obstacles are just as big as the physical ones that make it difficult to participate in daily life.

“The act does not erase stigma or attitudinal barriers. And, since so many buildings were grandfathered in under the ADA, baseline accessibility is never a guarantee. Churches and religious organizations are still exempt from adhering,” wrote Claire Forrest, in an article for HuffPost

A fully accessible world doesn’t only need continuous reinforcement of a law that is set in stone, but it also needs everyone to contribute.

What can be done?

There are numerous ways that people can make the world a more accessible place for everyone. One way people can help is by educating themselves and others about disability rights, accessibility standards and the challenges that individuals with disabilities face on a daily basis.

Another way that people can help is through advocacy. Typically, advocacy is left for disabled people, but it shouldn’t be left up to them. Individuals should speak up whenever they see an inaccessible area. People can do this by contacting town officials.

All in all, choosing accessibility can foster an inclusive community. By taking the tim