Tag: voting

Reflections of the Contributions Made By Justin Dart, Jr. on the 32nd Anniversary of the ADA

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

As the anniversary of signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) approaches, it’s hard not to think about the contributions that Justin Dart, Jr. made to the disability community. It’s also hard to ignore how the culmination of his advocacy and efforts of increasing awareness about issues faced by people with disabilities was met when George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. There are many contributions that Justin Dart, Jr. made to the advancement of independence for people with disabilities that is relevant more than ever today. This one piece of legislation had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. His efforts not only had an impact on the passage of the landmark law but can also be felt more than 20 years after his death.

Widely recognized as the “father” of the ADA, Justin Dart, Jr. came from a prominent background. When he contracted polio in 1948, he became a wheelchair user. From then on, he championed causes for people with disabilities.  Justin Dart, Jr. traveled around the country before there was wheelchair access at hotels and other places that make travel easier for people with disabilities today.   He is also responsible for being one of the co-founders of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). This agency is responsible for starting the REV UP Campaign and the push for increased participation of voters with disabilities during each election cycle. This movement started to let voters with disabilities gain awareness about the power their voices can have when it comes to voting for elected officials.

Continued advocacy is still needed surrounding voting and people with disabilities. Although polling places may not be completely accessible, the ability to vote is vital to the disability community. By voting for politicians who we feel will best address our issues, we help put into place people who will be instrumental in being a part of finding ways to address various issues that affect our community each day. Because of the example Mr. Dart left us when it comes to political activism, people with disabilities should know their votes count, their voices matter, and they can make a difference in what happens in our country.

Too often, people with disabilities are afraid to exercise their right to vote because they think their voice does not matter or they cannot make a difference by voting. In my opinion, Justin Dart, Jr. is an excellent example of what happens when you focus your advocacy efforts to make substantial change happen for yourself and others. The mark he left behind on the fabric of the disability community and the world is what effective advocacy can do when you keep your eye on the reason you began your advocacy journey in the first place.

Mr. Dart gave us the starting point to voice our opinions in a way that allows the disability community to be a part of the process that shapes the political fabric of our country. His activism in the political arena led to further empowerment of people with disabilities in the hope that there would be a change in the way the disability population was viewed by other portions of the American public.

There are so many disability activists who have made a difference with the changes they helped bring about that have resulted in changing the way people with disabilities live and participate in the world. It is up to us as a community to learn about the contributions disability activists made and continue the work they started. It’s imperative that we continue advocating for other issues to increase our independence. The disability community must take the lead on educating others not in our community about important contributions these individuals made to improve our independence in society. The resulting dialogue can be the icebreaker needed to move the conversation forward about what it really means to live with a disability. As a result of these interactions, the disability community can finally be seen as people, not just the limitations physically visible at first glance.

Only then can we as a community have our needs met, be fully included, and accepted as productive members of society who can make a positive difference in the world. This is not only important for the disabled community that is an active, vibrant population now but also for future generations. There must be further understanding of what work still needs to be done. This will help us have more knowledge surrounding how far we’ve come to cherish the rights and voice we have molded in modern society.

We should study what Justin Dart, Jr. has left us meticulously so we can appreciate his efforts and the results he was able to achieve. This should be the blueprint of how to overcome whatever obstacle is put in our path due to our disability. Speaking up for ourselves and others should be the catalyst for the change necessary to improve our standing in society and how disability is viewed within our communities. This type of advocacy is not only necessary to move our community forward on various levels but is the right thing to do to continue the work Mr. Dart started so many years ago.

The Inauguration of a New President of the United States and What it Means for People with Disabilities

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Along with the Inauguration of a new president and vice president of the United States, comes new possibilities for people with disabilities.

As I sat watching history being made when Kamala Harris took the oath of office, I realized she has knocked down many barriers. Not only for women and women of color, but also for people with disabilities.

The theme of inclusion and unity was not only prevalent but relevant during the historical event.  Because Vice President Harris is now in office, the possibility of further inclusion for all is now a reality more than ever. The firefighter who led the Pledge of Allegiance in spoken word and sign language was a surprising change. It was also a sign of the times. In my opinion, it symbolizes the dedication the current administration has of including everyone in this country, even people with disabilities.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in office, he spent most of the time hiding his disability. Researching the political climate that existed during those years for other projects I’ve done on his presidency and its importance for people with disabilities, I’m not sure society would have been accepting of openly having a person with a disability serving in a political office. The fact that he occupied the highest political position in our land may have made it even more mind-boggling for some. During Roosevelt’s time, people with disabilities were hidden in the shadows. Individuals with disabilities were regularly being housed in institutions instead of in community settings when possible. We had not gained the rights from laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act just yet. The ADA helped people with disabilities acquire the opportunity of a level playing field to accomplish individual goals. It also gave them the chance to be more active and visible in society. That includes things like voting and even running for political office.

The possibilities available to us now are only limited to how big we allow ourselves to dream. Since the passage of the ADA, people with disabilities have been making strides to increase not only representation but acceptance of our community into the mainstream. Society is increasingly interested in diversity and inclusion more than ever. That conversation cannot be complete unless people with disabilities are part of the equation.  It’s more likely now that a young person with a disability can see themselves as the next vice president or even president of the United States.

This is the perfect opportunity to increase our visibility and make our mark on society. The steps we take today to let our voices be heard and our influence felt can only help us move the ideas of what it really means to live with a disability forward. We can be the reason long-standing myths are eradicated and new ideas become the norm. There are always opportunities to change the outdated and inaccurate stereotypes that surround disability.

While there are disabled politicians such as Senator Tammy Duckworth (D) from Illinois, who currently occupies a political office, for some reason this seems different. Now is the time to set goals and take action to increase representation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Every step forward is needed and welcomed. Every victory toward increased representation should be celebrated. We can accomplish anything we want to achieve. There are so many aspects of society that need the input of the disability community. The only question that remains is what is the most efficient course to chart in pursuit of your personal success?

Voting Basics for People with Disabilities

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

“Vote as if your Life Depends on it…Because it Does”. Since we’re in an election year, I thought it was important to spotlight some voting basics to try and help ease the fear people with disabilities may have about voting. Justin Dart, who is considered the father of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 made this important statement many years ago. This idea is more important now than ever before.

There is basic information many people should know about voting. The first thing to know is the difference between the primary and general elections. Primaries are held to determine a political party’s candidate for the general election. During the general election, the final nominee, and their running mate, if applicable, are the ones voters are choosing when casting their ballots.

There are also many laws in place to prevent discrimination of people with disabilities and protect their right to vote. These laws have also helped increase the accessibility of voting for people with disabilities. The laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Voting Rights Act of 1965, The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 (VAEHA), The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).

Each state has voter registration deadlines and mail-in ballot request deadlines. Make sure your voter registration is up to date and that you have requested your absentee ballot, if that’s your preferred method of voting, with plenty of time to have it mailed to your address. These are two important steps you need to take to participate in the voting process. It’s important to make sure you request your ballot before the deadline expires. If you decide to change your political party, it’s important to follow the local Supervisor of Elections procedure to do so.  Complete this step with enough time so you can cast your ballot. If you don’t meet the timeframes your Supervisors of Elections has established, you won’t be able to vote until the next election cycle.

People with disabilities can sometimes find voting intimidating. Maybe you’re concerned about how a poll worker will react if you ask for help. They are trained and there to help. Whether it’s because of barriers such as voter accessibility at the polls, long lines or even the current pandemic, every attempt should be made by voters with disabilities to have their ballot counted. Some people think their vote won’t make a difference but in reality, every vote counts.

Even local elections are important. When we have problems accessing services in our community, local government officials can be a source of support and guidance. Depending on the situation you’re facing, they may be the first place to turn. They can be a resource that should be tapped into more than is currently the case. Some people only vote in November because they feel it’s the only election that matters. Primaries are also important because in some cases, those elections are the only ones that have to happen to determine the next candidate that will hold a particular office.

People with disabilities should let their voices be heard and vote for many reasons. This election year, getting out to vote is extremely important. The results will have long term implications on this country. It’s time for people with disabilities to take an active role in the political process of this country and vote. The choices you make will impact the lives of many and make up the America of the future.