Celebrating 30 Years of Change

Americans with Disability Act

A Historic Milestone that was Years in the Making

All across our country, disability rights leaders are celebrating the 30th anniversary of a landmark civil rights law that made clear people with disabilities have an equal right to live, work, and participate in our society.

When President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990, it was the culmination of decades of grassroots advocacy by people with disabilities, families, and allies. What might seem inevitable today was only possible because people with disabilities pushed for the changes we needed to see in our laws.

Because of that work, for 30 years it has been unlawful to discriminate because of our disabilities. To celebrate this milestone, Disability Rights Oregon will share stories throughout the month to show what life was like for a person with a disability before the ADA, after the ADA, and what work we continue to have ahead. 

Before the ADA was the Law of the Land

Disability Rights Oregon is very lucky to have talented individuals serving on our Board of Directors, committed to steering the organization toward an even more promising future. They represent Oregon's vibrant and diverse disability community. And they happen to be some of the best advocates around. 

Naturally, we wanted to hear what members of our Board of Directors had to say about the ADA's 30th Anniversary! Their lived experiences span generations and their stories provide a window into life before and after this groundbreaking federal civil rights law rippled out across the country. 

Successes
The Broader Fight for Equality
The Broader Fight for Equality

In the fall of 1981, when I was 17-years old, I dived into an above-ground swimming pool that was not well lit or marked for depth. I injured my spinal cord (C5 - C6) and became disabled. It wasn't until 12 years later that I first identified as a person with a disability. Fighting for passage of the ADA and focusing on my college education were the catalysts for me to steer my life in the direction that I wanted to take it.

Before and After the ADA: Q&A with Board President Jan Campbell
Before and After the ADA: Q&A with Board President Jan Campbell

Board President Jan Campbell answered some of our questions about her life before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the changes brought about by this landmark civil rights law. Jan’s advice to young people with disabilities today is this: Never give up, be motivated by a challenge, and be a strong advocate for yourself as well as for others. Together, we will succeed.

Liam: Only Being Able to Go Where Everyone Else Goes
Liam: Only Being Able to Go Where Everyone Else Goes

When Liam was nine-years old, his elementary school class made plans to build a garden. Liam uses a wheelchair and wouldn't be able to go into the garden. He could only go around it from the outside. His school thought this made the garden accessible. Liam disagreed. Liam advocated for a new pathway through the garden: A Figure 8 paved path that runs through the middle of the garden.

My Son Jeff Almost Didn't Get to Go on a Boy Scouts Camping Trip because of His Disability
My Son Jeff Almost Didn't Get to Go on a Boy Scouts Camping Trip because of His Disability

When Jeff was 18, he was a member of our local Boy Scouts troop. Around 2001, he wanted to go to an overnight backpacking camp in Colorado with his troop. Jeff's local troop was supportive of him going, but the Council told Jeff that he could not go, because of his disability. Jeff and his family advocated and won because of the ADA.

Q&A with Board Member Michael Szporluk
Q&A with Board Member Michael Szporluk

Board Member Michael Szporluk answered some of our questions about growing up with a disability decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became the law. “I know harassment still occurs, but with the passage of the ADA, school administrators have an increased understanding of their obligation,” said Michael.

The World My Son's Growing up in is Totally Different
The World My Son's Growing up in is Totally Different

When I went to school in the 1970's and 1980's, kids with Down syndrome were separated into a different part of the building. I did not see children with disabilities in class, on the playground—or even in the lunchroom. Athan’s life is totally different.

Q&A with Board Member Barbara Dirks
Q&A with Board Member Barbara Dirks

Board Member Barbara Dirks shared a few of her reflections on her life before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and her life now as a person who uses both crutches and a wheelchair. “When I am out and about, I now can get around an area easier because there are curb cuts, and most buildings have ramps and elevators that allow me easier access,” said Barbara.