A Short History of Justin Dart, Jr., “Father” of the ADA

Posted on June 28, 2010

By Stephanie Woodward, Transportation Systems Advocate

We’re approaching the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and it seems only fitting to consider some of its history.

Justin Dart, Jr., who is widely thought of as the “father” of the ADA, was born in 1930 to a very wealthy, prominent family. Growing up, Justin was very misbehaved, attending seven high schools, but never graduating. He later described himself as a “super-loser,” admitting that he didn’t like himself. In 1948 Justin contracted polio and was given three days to live. It was at this point in his life that Justin changed directions. Justin felt loved and was given affection by those around him and liked the feeling. In turn, he began to treat people with respect and love. Read more

Unnecessary Institutionalization is Discrimination

Posted on June 21, 2010

Unnecessary Institutionalization is Discrimination: The Olmstead Decision
By: Anita Cameron

“Unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act”. These few words summarized the opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court when it handed down its decision in the case of Olmstead v. L.C. on June 22, 1999. The Supreme Court further stated that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the “most integrated setting”, a provision of the ADA known as the “inclusion mandate”. Read more

Senate Passes Critical Disability Legislation

Posted on June 18, 2010

By Leah Farrell, Policy Analyst

The NYS Senate has been very busy these past few days.  No, I’m not referring to the weekly budget extenders – although both houses have been busy here.  I am referring to the list of disability legislation that will impact each and every one of us!

On Thursday, June 10, CDR joined several other Independent Living Centers from around the State at the Capitol to watch this important package of bills pass and show our support for the Senators who voted “aye.” Read more

America’s Future is ADAPT – A Message Delivered to Speaker Pelosi

Posted on June 15, 2010

By Stephanie Miller, Service Coordinator

Margaret Mead once wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  I was reminded of this notion last Tuesday, June 8^th, when twenty-five members of ADAPT interrupted a speech by Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.  For one brief moment, these two dozen activists held the eyes of the nation as they demanded Pelosi’s sponsorship of the Community Choice Act.

This was my first ADAPT action in over 15 years.  For the first time in a very long time, I had the opportunity to witness grassroots civil rights advocacy directly from the front line. Read more

Visitable Homes, Visitable Communities

Posted on June 11, 2010

By Terrie Lincoln, Systems Advocate

On Friday, May 14th a co-worker and I went to Syracuse, New York to look at a visitable Habitat for Humanity home.  The event started off with a speech from a city representative thanking everyone for their hard work and commitment.  Next, a lady from Habitat spoke about what it means to be visitable, how it impacts the community, the cost, and how the homeowners feel.  The event on this day declared May Visitability Month in Syracuse.

What is Visitability, you ask?  Good question.

Most homes have steps at every entrance and have bathroom doors that are narrower than other interior passage doors.  Visitable homes have:

• One entrance with zero steps;
• 32 inches clear passage through all interior doors, including bathrooms; and
• At least a half bath (preferably a full bath) on the main floor. Read more

Rochester Activists Join ADAPT to Confront Nancy Pelosi at Progressive Conference

Posted on June 8, 2010

Photo taken by Washington Post,  See Article “Pelosi delivers speech over screams of health-care activists” By CLICKING HERE

Already in the news, two dozen ADAPT activists in Washington, DC confronted Nancy Pelosi at a progressive conference today.  As reported by David Dayen (http://news.firedoglake.com/2010/06/08/dueling-protests-at-pelosi-speech-at-americas-future-now-conference/),
Read more

New Advocacy Intern From Russia Shares Perspective on Disability Rights in the U.S.

Posted on June 4, 2010

By Alfiya Battalova, Advocacy Intern

My first introduction to the U.S. culture happened when I was 16. I was an exchange student and I went to the local high school in Minnesota. I lived with a host family and experienced the most memorable and fulfilling year in my life. Back then it felt like a revelation that people with disabilities can be treated with dignity, that there are ramps, elevators and a general sense of accessibility. I could only compare what I saw with the place I am from – Omsk, Russia. The issues of people with disabilities haven’t been and unfortunately still aren’t, the top priority for Russian authorities, at least, in the sense of civil rights. I hadn’t realized at that point that there are still so many problems and there is still a lot to be done in the US too. Read more

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