25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2015 marks the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I was present at the bill signing in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush announced, “With today’s signing of the landmark Americans [with] Disabilities Act every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, freedom and independence.” These words launched a watershed moment for American civil rights.

July 20th, 2015.
White House East Room

This past Monday, I was honored to be invited back to the White House to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. President Obama spoke about the accomplishments of this momentous civil rights legislation.  “Thanks to the ADA,” he said, “the places that comprise our shared American life – schools, workplaces, movie theaters, courthouses, buses, baseball stadiums, national parks – they truly belong to everyone.  Millions of Americans with disabilities have had the chance to develop their talents and make their unique contributions to the world.  And thanks to them, America is stronger and more vibrant; it is a better country because of the ADA.”

This civil rights milestone has improved the quality of life for more than 50 million Americans. Though it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, we are still grappling with economic inequality.

The dedication and work ethic of people with disabilities make them valuable employees.  However, these assets are often overlooked by employers.

It is this disparity that encourages me to discover more opportunities for qualified students with disabilities so that they may attain independence and professional fulfillment. I am happy to say that I am not alone in the trenches.

As a former Ball State University trustee and a current trustee of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, it is a privilege and a pleasure to introduce a partnership with these prestigious institutions at Eskenazi Health. The innovative Eskenazi Health Initiative for Empowerment and Economic Independence is a partnership with Ball State University’s Disability Project that places students with disabilities in paid internships in Indianapolis. Not only do these students gain valuable professional experience in their fields of study, they develop professional networks and relationships, which often lead to productive employment.

The program recently received support from Lilly Endowment to help it expand.  In addition, we have grown our list of partners with the addition of Emmis Communications, who is hosting a student with a disability for a summer internship.

As President Obama stated, “Days like the [anniversary of the ADA] are a celebration of our history.  But they’re also a chance to rededicate ourselves to the future – to address the injustices that still linger, to remove the barriers that remain.”

With the continued support of organizations, including the Lilly Endowment, the Lilly Foundation, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), and efforts of our valued partners, our reach will grow to touch even more lives filled with promise and hope.  And with each individual dream fulfilled, we realize the power and possibilities of the ADA and America.  

Senator Tom Harkin

July 20th, 2015

2015 BSU Disability Services Awards Program

On Tuesday, April 7^th, Ball State University held its Disability Services Annual Awards program. Mary Beth and I presented the 2015 Fehribach Awards to students who have maintained high academic standards while being involved in the Ball State community outside of the classroom. Ball State is committed to challenging students with disabilities to enhance their careers and elevate their futures.

As a Distinguished Fellow of the Political Science Department’s Bowen Center, I stress to students the importance of political participation. One of the Bowen Center’s key focuses, political participation by a disenfranchised group will help Indiana grow. 

In collaboration with Director Larry Markle and his team at the Office of Disability Services, we have presented this longtime award to students with varying disabilities. With great pride, I would like to introduce the 2015 Fehribach Award Winners:

From R to L: Elise Basiletti, Julie Bloom, Derrick Decker, Will Kuhn, Malia Finch, Amanda Rusk

Elise Basiletti, a senior Special Education major, is a student with an incredible array of extracurricular activities. While maintaining a 3.8 GPA, Elise has been involved with the Chi Alpha Phi Christian Fellowship, the American Sign Language Club, and volunteers for classroom panels and presentations. Elise also works at two Chick-Fil-A restaurants, and was involved in the Indiana School for the Deaf residential program last year.

Julie Bloom is a senior Elementary Education/Special Education major. She has over a 3.0 GPA. Julie has been a four year member of St.A.R.T., Student Alumni Relations Team, and a four year participant in Ball State’s Dance Marathon. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, where she held multiple leadership positions. Julie worked in the Course Exemplar Poem Project in the spring of 2014 and volunteers her time with the Muncie Animal Shelter, the Buley Center, and Beyond I Can.

Derrick Decker, a senior Athletic Training major, has been a part of Ball State’s Athletic Training Program and Athletic Training Club. Derrick has a 3.1 GPA and is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He worked with BSU’s men’s basketball, football, and women’s volleyball and softball teams, as well as working at several local high schools. Derrick also worked at the Henry County Sports Medicine/Performance Enhancement and interned with the Indianapolis Colts in the summer of 2014.

Malia Finch, a senior Legal Studies major, holds a 3.6 GPA. She has worked in many roles across campus, including in Housing and Residence Life, as a Resident Assistant (RA), a Multicultural Advisor (MA), and a co-teacher of EDHI 200. She was a teaching assistant of POLS 474 and POLS 130, and was involved in peer tutoring. Malia is a member of the Legal Studies Student Association and volunteers at Longfellow Elementary School, as well as working as a Peer Victim Advocate at the Office of Victims Services.

Will Kuhn is a senior Telecommunications major who holds a 2.8 GPA. Will is the Athletics Chair of Phi Gamma Delta and a member of Ball State’s Power Soccer team. Will is also a member of the Fundraising and Technology Committees of Dance Marathon. He interned at Eskenazi Health Hospital in 2014, and has been integral in helping that program grow. Along with his other accomplishments, Will serves as a Student Trustee Selection Committee member.

Amanda Rusk, a senior Criminal Justice major, works in the Adaptive Computer Technology Lab. Along with her work, Amanda holds a 3.5 GPA. She is a member of the University Conduct Board, and studied abroad in England for a year. In the spring 2015 semester, Amanda interned at the Delaware County Adult Probation.

As President Ferguson joined his voice with others calling for “a vibrant and diverse community”, he and other university presidents were of the few leaders who included people with disabilities in their public comments. By ensuring access for all Hoosiers, Ball State continues to be a forerunner for economic equality. We expect these students to be the next generation of leaders who will take on the responsibility for accessible and inclusive public policy.