Today, many of us have nearly forgotten an era in which it was commonplace for a person to be denied employment because she was blind, or unable to attend a university because he was in a wheelchair.  Yet only a generation ago, it was the societal norm to treat individuals with disabilities as second-class citizens.  However, a small but powerful movement was already underway to ensure equal opportunity regardless of one’s ability or disability; and this movement culminated 20 years ago in the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA.

When I was paralyzed at the age of 16, my life changed forever.  I was incredibly lucky to have the support of my family, my friends and my community.  Their overwhelming generosity and concern ultimately inspired me to give back to Rhode Island and led me to an incredibly fulfilling career in public service.  But many individuals with disabilities were not as fortunate. For all of us, the ADA has been a profoundly life-altering law that has provided new opportunities and fundamentally changed the way society views and treats people with disabilities. 

The ADA codified the collective ideal that no one should suffer discrimination because of a disability.  It shattered barriers, opening our buildings, sidewalks, schools, public transportation, and workplaces to Americans with disabilities. Over its two decades it has helped 50 million Americans live better lives.

However, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the ADA is not just a time to celebrate our achievements, but an opportunity to reflect on how we might improve upon them.  Individuals with disabilities remain one of our nation’s greatest untapped resources, and they continue to face challenges in accessing employment, transportation, housing and even health care.  This will only continue as we see increasing numbers of veterans returning with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and other disabling conditions. 

It is more important than ever that we educate businesses and connect them with proper resources to create more employment opportunities in our communities.  We must collaborate with local and state governments to ensure that transportation is available and accessible to everyone so they can get to their job, or the doctor, or the grocery store.  We need to provide more resources for our teachers so that every child can receive a proper education, which is the stepping stone to a brighter future.

We must also continue the development of assistive technologies and make sure that computers, PDAs and phones are fully accessible for the vision and hearing impaired.  We must focus on income and asset development so families have the means to become productive members of their communities.  Finally, we need to inform individuals with disabilities of their rights under the ADA, as well as what recourse is available to them should they face discrimination at any level.

We have come so far, but we have much more work ahead.  Disabilities don’t discriminate on the basis of party affiliation, income or gender; instead, they have the unique ability to unite us in common purpose.  If we act with courage and commitment, then we will provide the means for every individual to fulfill his or her potential and realize the true promise of the ADA on its 20th Anniversary, and for years to come.