In early July, I turn 50 years old, a major milestone that has me reflecting on important anniversaries, in my life and in my work.
I have been a disability advocate for almost 25 years, and two of the most important laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities also have “birthdays” this year.
One is the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the federal law passed in 1975 that guarantees children with disabilities the right to the special education services they need to not just attend public schools but also to learn alongside their peers without disabilities. The law is not perfect and many families still find themselves having to fight for the promises and ideals of an equal education for their children, but we have come a long way since families were turned away by their local schools, had to seek out private options if they could afford them, or simply kept their children at home and taught them on their own as best they could.
| The other is the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, described more in this month’s legal blog. The ADA was originally passed in 1990 with broad bipartisan support and has been refined by courts and Congress several times since. The ADA ensures people with disabilities not only have equal access to work, education, and community services, it also requires that people with disabilities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are integrated into their communities as much as possible. No more should people with IDD be taken from their families, from their communities, and hidden away in institutions to be forgotten about and neglected. During this year of important anniversaries for people with disabilities, we find ourselves again fighting to ensure that services, rights, and opportunities do not go backwards. Quality Trust will continue our advocacy for self-determination and quality, community-based services for people with IDD. We look forward to partnering with all of you to protect the important legacy of the last 50 years, the entirety of my life! |
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