The ADA: A Civil Rights Milestone

On July 26, 1990, I was honored to represent the State of Indiana when President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law at a ceremony on the south lawn of the White House. We were surrounded by supporters, members of Congress, people with disabilities, friends and loved ones as we watched our dreams become a reality.

The 19th anniversary of the ADA is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the progress we collectively have made as a country in terms of civil rights. As with other civil rights milestones, it's also an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have to go.

Before the ADA, I lived in a world without curb cuts, ramps, and little economic opportunity. The ADA marked a significant turning point for people with disabilities. At the same time, it opened up new markets for businesses and other organizations in our communities. That's why I strongly encourage people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers, to embrace the protections afforded to us by the ADA and become fully engaged in the process. Perhaps it's putting a college degree to work. Or it's advocating for community improvements. Or it's encouraging others to support businesses that accommodate people with disabilities.

The list of how we can become involved is long, but it's ultimately our responsibility to move ourselves forward.

Take Me There: Egypt

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis recently opened Take Me There: Egypt, an interactive way for young people to immerse themselves in the Egyptian culture. From a plane ride on Egypt Air to dinner at a family home, the gallery offers something for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Children's Museum is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities - particularly children - are able to fully participate in their exhibits, galleries and activities. It's this commitment that allows a child who is a wheelchair user to board that flight to Egypt, and gives the child with a visual impairment the experience of living among the dinosaurs. As offerings to the public are crafted and arranged, the Museum's staff places a key emphasis on how they can make the program accessible for all.

One of the greatest joys of my work is watching people with disabilities enjoy life's experiences without the barriers that they usually face. I'm particularly pleased that parents can take their children with disabilities to The Children's Museum and know that they will have the same immersive and inclusive experience as all other children. In fact, I was told by Museum staff that they once observed a child with a disability accompanied by his grandpa who also had an aging disability - and both were having a great time in the inclusive Dinosphere exhibit.

To learn more about The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, please visit www.childrensmuseum.org.