Getting to the truth will include many Proclamations from Governors, Mayors, and other leaders. The words will be chosen to “feel good”. It’s the same words proclaiming the same groundbreaking sentiments — for the last 33 years.
Every person with a disability “ . . .can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom,” according to President George H W Bush on July 26, 1990. The power of his pen signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would wipe away millennia of disability discrimination.
30 years later, on July 26, 2020, Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin, proclaimed rededication: “Whereas; Today, the State of Wisconsin reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion for every person with a disability.”
Nice words but no action.
July 26 Proclamations tell us “Best Wishes”, followed by nothing that state and local governments will do. Crickets. We do not need another useless “Best Wishes” greeting card!
Every July 26 ADA Proclamation must include specific, concrete actions that will make the ADA’s “bright new era” real. This is what we must do:
First, contact our Governors, Mayors, Village Presidents, and County leadership and ask for a Proclamation that contains clear positive actions that the leader will make happen. Here are two suggestions. Do one or do both. Then tell us about your efforts.
- Get an executive order to include in every bid document words like this: The successful bidder will include descriptions of federally required ADA improvements for every facility project (new construction and renovations) and for every program that accepts public funding.
- Contact the government leadership about any DEI commission that exists. Does the commission include people with disabilities? Does the mission of the commission contain actions related to people with disabilities? DEI means “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” — the very values enshrined in the lofty words in 1990 and in Federal Law.
I've contacted the Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers, about this. To date, there has been no reply. Are we going to get action to further the goals of the ADA? Or are we getting more crickets?
Leave a reply about what you are going to do. I did. It’s your turn. Inspire!
Disability Justice
https://DisabilityJustice.net
Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay