The 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was honored in Syacuse by people sharing their own experiences. Angela Winfield is a legally blind attorney who spoke at today’s proclamation. She recalls going on a cruise with her husband who is also blind, with their Seeing Eye dogs. Winfield was approached by a woman who asked the couple what they had to do to get pets on board. And her husband responded, “Well first… we had to go blind.”
" She wasn't expecting people that looked like my husband and myself, two blind individuals, to be enjoying themselves on a cruise ship like any other person. So the ADA is the floor that allowed the access but the attitudinal barrier was still there."
Agnes McCray refers to herself and those with disabilities as people with ‘extravagant differences.’ The challenges she faces are unequal job opportunities and lack of awareness.
" Of over 72 % of the disability population is not employed. I defiantly say also, that sensitivity training is needed so that you know what is the correct thing to say."
A graduate student at Syracuse University, Kate Pollack is deaf and the ADA has provided her with full access to American Sign Language interpretation during lectures, classes, events and conferences. She’s found other schools and businesses aren’t necessarily so accommodating.
" You can't always depend on people to provide access out of the kindness of their heart or they understand the issue. Sometimes you have to say this is the law, this is federal law and you have to do it because this is my civil right."
People with disabilities and their advocates say the ADA has led to improvements, though a big area that needs improvement in employment opportunities. ARISE, the sponsors of today’s event, says as much as 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed. July as Disability Awareness Month.
