Americans with Disabilities Use ADA Anniversary to Highlight Issues

Published by Lawayne Childrey on 27 Jul 2009 4:39pm
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About 3 dozen cyclists roll into Jackson to bring attention to the Americans with Disabilities Act
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This week marks the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which protects people with mental or physical disabilities from discrimination. MPB's Lawayne Childrey looks at the laws impact in Mississippi.

On the day Christy Dunaway was born she became a triple amputee.

“Both arms below the elbow and my left leg below the knee.”

Today she serves as the state coordinator for Living Independence for Everyone, also known as LIFE. Dunaway says over the years the Americans with Disabilities Act has become lax.

“And it’s not always just a wheelchair ramp to the front door. It could also mean insuring that there’s an interpreter in place at city council meeting. Or making sure that their summer youth programs are accepting of and accessible to young people with disabilities.”

Sam Gleese, ADA Coordinator in Jackson believes the new commitment from congress will help correct many of the education, housing, public transportation and other problems that disable people face every day.

“So once general society and employers recognize the significance of this piece of legislation we can began to break down those barriers that are interfering with people with disabilities being full participants in society.”

A group of cyclists from San Francisco are peddling their way to DC on what they call the journey of hope. Monday they made a stop in Jackson. Jare Johnson is their spokesperson.

“In the past people with disabilities have really been brushed aside, ignored and really misunderstood. You’re kinda worried about what is proper protocol. So we’re here to bring about awareness that people with disabilities are no different than anyone else in society.”

President Barack Obama recently announced that the United States will sign the United nations treaty that elevates disability beyond a health and social welfare issue to a human rights issue. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.