"This act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard: independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream." President George H.W. Bush
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. On that sunny July day, I was in attendance as then-Governor Evan Bayh's representative to the White House and witnessed the signing of this landmark piece of civil rights legislation.
The ADA has had a tremendous impact on millions of Americans with disabilities, their friends and loved ones. I am one of those Americans. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "brittle bone disease," I have utilized a wheelchair since childhood. I graduated from college, earned masters and legal degrees - all before the ADA became law. For a young lawyer, the ADA meant that I could finally enter nearly any business and meet clients and colleagues without concerns about accessible accommodations. Up until the ADA, the logistics of a simple client meeting presented a daunting challenge.
The ADA is continually evolving. It's been a privilege to see this process firsthand, working with businesses and organizations in the public and private sectors to create accessible and inclusive spaces. The physical access the ADA has encouraged - ramps, curb cuts, audio tools, for example - is tangible evidence of the progress we have made. Businesses and organizations across the country have applied a comprehensive approach to integrate structures and programming, thus increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate. Not only can we now access the park, we also can enjoy a picnic in the pavilion with our family and friends because of the accessible features.
As I look back to where people with disabilities have been - and where we're going - there is much to celebrate. By law, we are afforded the same rights as other Americans and diverse groups. But, we have much to do if we are to fully blend into the fabric of our nation.
People with disabilities have the ability and the desire to participate in our economy. Yet, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is disproportionately higher than for the general population. With technology revolutionizing how we connect to each other and our jobs, people with disabilities have an opportunity before them to apply their skills in ways never thought possible. After all, if a person can navigate the complexities of living with a disability, they can certainly navigate the challenges of full-time employment. Indianapolis has long been a national model for encouraging all levels of access and inclusion. Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs is identifying and addressing employment barriers for people with disabilities. I'm proud to be a part of that effort.
Next week, I'll return to the White House to witness President Barack Obama commemorate the 20th anniversary of the ADA. That a man with a disability will come to the nation's capitol to celebrate a landmark civil rights legislation with our country's first African-American president speaks to the power of America. Even more, we will celebrate this milestone publicly, in the same house where an American president 70 years ago hid his disability from the world.
How far we have come. How far we have to go. Yet, we can - and will - travel the journey together.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Americans with Disabilities Act: An evolutionary process
Juli Paini, the director for the City of Indianapolis Office of Disability Affairs, shares her thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I was a student at Indiana University when Congress passed the ADA. The ADA received a lot of attention when President Bush signed it into law and I began to notice that people were more aware of people with disabilities.
The ADA helped raise my comfort level talking about my disability, as well as the comfort level of the people around me. While I had always adapted to the situations that faced me as a person with rheumatoid arthritis, the law established a civil rights framework of legal protections that had not previously been available to me and others with disabilities.
After I graduated from IU, I entered law school at IU-Bloomington. My motivation to pursue a legal career was definitely influenced by my disability. I knew there were people - with and without disabilities - who needed access to quality legal services and someone to advocate on their behalf. After passing the bar, I practiced law for several years. When the opportunity arose ten years ago to direct the City of Indianapolis' ADA Program, I took it immediately.
Indianapolis already had an effort in place relative to access and inclusion before the ADA was signed into law. Mayor Hudnut established the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability, which is still in effect today. Peter Bisbecos, a talented lawyer, served as Mayor Goldsmith's ADA coordinator during a construction boom in our city. The City put a priority to make access and inclusion a part of what we do. It's a bipartisan approach that has carried through several administrations and continues to this day. In fact, the National Organization on Disability recognized Indianapolis with its 2009 "Accessible America" award, a tribute to this collective work.
In all of our projects, we look at access and inclusion in a holistic way. Whether it's employing audible signals for the visually impaired, or creating mentorship opportunities, or including people with disabilities when we define diversity, the perception of people with disabilities and how we integrate the ADA is evolving.
Initially, everyone thought of the ADA in terms of physical access. As the years have gone by, we're now looking at the ADA in terms of its significance to the issue of employment, and how that affects any other independence that the act brings. Economic independence helps people enjoy the physical independence.
People with disabilities - and the ADA - have come a long way since this landmark legislation became a part of our lives. As we look to the future, we still have much more to do. I hope the Indianapolis model will help other communities realize that they can be at the forefront of accessibility and inclusion, and do it in a creative and bipartisan way.
I was a student at Indiana University when Congress passed the ADA. The ADA received a lot of attention when President Bush signed it into law and I began to notice that people were more aware of people with disabilities.
The ADA helped raise my comfort level talking about my disability, as well as the comfort level of the people around me. While I had always adapted to the situations that faced me as a person with rheumatoid arthritis, the law established a civil rights framework of legal protections that had not previously been available to me and others with disabilities.
After I graduated from IU, I entered law school at IU-Bloomington. My motivation to pursue a legal career was definitely influenced by my disability. I knew there were people - with and without disabilities - who needed access to quality legal services and someone to advocate on their behalf. After passing the bar, I practiced law for several years. When the opportunity arose ten years ago to direct the City of Indianapolis' ADA Program, I took it immediately.
Indianapolis already had an effort in place relative to access and inclusion before the ADA was signed into law. Mayor Hudnut established the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability, which is still in effect today. Peter Bisbecos, a talented lawyer, served as Mayor Goldsmith's ADA coordinator during a construction boom in our city. The City put a priority to make access and inclusion a part of what we do. It's a bipartisan approach that has carried through several administrations and continues to this day. In fact, the National Organization on Disability recognized Indianapolis with its 2009 "Accessible America" award, a tribute to this collective work.
In all of our projects, we look at access and inclusion in a holistic way. Whether it's employing audible signals for the visually impaired, or creating mentorship opportunities, or including people with disabilities when we define diversity, the perception of people with disabilities and how we integrate the ADA is evolving.
Initially, everyone thought of the ADA in terms of physical access. As the years have gone by, we're now looking at the ADA in terms of its significance to the issue of employment, and how that affects any other independence that the act brings. Economic independence helps people enjoy the physical independence.
People with disabilities - and the ADA - have come a long way since this landmark legislation became a part of our lives. As we look to the future, we still have much more to do. I hope the Indianapolis model will help other communities realize that they can be at the forefront of accessibility and inclusion, and do it in a creative and bipartisan way.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was one of my greatest honors to be in attendance when President George H. W. Bush signed it into law in the White House Rose Garden.
In the history of our nation, twenty years is a brief span of time, especially when it involves government policy. But for my generation, and the generations before and after me, this policy in particular has had a remarkable effect. This groundbreaking bill of rights represents a springboard for people with disabilities who, as the late Senator Ted Kennedy said, "deserve the opportunity to work for a living, ride a bus...and do all the other things that the rest of us take for granted."
In the coming weeks, I hope you'll enjoy a series of thoughtful posts that discuss the ADA, and what it's meant for people with disabilities in their personal and professional lives. We'll also take a look at what the future holds for people with disabilities, and the importance of engaging this eager and educated population in our global economy.
In the history of our nation, twenty years is a brief span of time, especially when it involves government policy. But for my generation, and the generations before and after me, this policy in particular has had a remarkable effect. This groundbreaking bill of rights represents a springboard for people with disabilities who, as the late Senator Ted Kennedy said, "deserve the opportunity to work for a living, ride a bus...and do all the other things that the rest of us take for granted."
In the coming weeks, I hope you'll enjoy a series of thoughtful posts that discuss the ADA, and what it's meant for people with disabilities in their personal and professional lives. We'll also take a look at what the future holds for people with disabilities, and the importance of engaging this eager and educated population in our global economy.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Fehribach Awards
When I was a student at Ball State University almost 30 years ago, there were few students with disabilities on campus. Today, the campus serves nearly 600 students with disabilities each year. Its facilities are among the nation's most accessible. Ball State also offers a state-of-the-art transportation system that is essential for students with disabilities to travel to and from classes, work, and social activities.
One of the cornerstones of Ball State's commitment to students with disabilities is its Disabled Student Development department. Led by Director Larry Markle, the department serves a vital function in empowering students with disabilities to take control over their educational experiences. Earlier this year, disabilityfriendlycolleges.com named Ball State one of the top 75 colleges for students with disabilities, in that they go above and beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I have a strong personal connection to Ball State - as both a graduate and a person with a disability. I was so honored - and humbled - in 2009 when a longtime award and scholarship program for students with disabilities was renamed the Fehribach Awards. The awards honor students with disabilities and recognize academic achievement. They also applaud students for their involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Working with Larry Markle and the Disabled Student Development department, we honored the following outstanding students in 2010:
The 2010 Fehribach Award Winners. Pictured from left to right are: Jennifer Vetor; Greg Fehribach; Mary Beth Fehribach; Josh Mitchell; Laura Medcalf; Patrick Mautner; Samantha Cook.
One of the cornerstones of Ball State's commitment to students with disabilities is its Disabled Student Development department. Led by Director Larry Markle, the department serves a vital function in empowering students with disabilities to take control over their educational experiences. Earlier this year, disabilityfriendlycolleges.com named Ball State one of the top 75 colleges for students with disabilities, in that they go above and beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I have a strong personal connection to Ball State - as both a graduate and a person with a disability. I was so honored - and humbled - in 2009 when a longtime award and scholarship program for students with disabilities was renamed the Fehribach Awards. The awards honor students with disabilities and recognize academic achievement. They also applaud students for their involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Working with Larry Markle and the Disabled Student Development department, we honored the following outstanding students in 2010:
- Samantha Cook, a senior speech pathology major, who has studied abroad in Australia.
- Patrick Mautner, a junior history major, who is involved in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the College Republicans.
- Laura Medcalf, a junior elementary education major, who is one of the founders of the Ball State Power Soccer team.
- Josh Mitchell, a graduate student in the student affairs program, who has worked with Recreation Services and Academic Advising.
- Jennifer Vetor, a senior general studies major, who has served as the vice president of Disabled Students in Action as well as a student worker in the Adaptive Technology Lab.
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Career Road Map to Sustainable Employment
As a Distinguished Fellow with Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs, I have the honor and privilege of participating in the Center's innovative project to help identify and address the barriers to employment that face college-educated people with disabilities.
One of my responsibilities as a fellow is to teach a political science course, The Disability Culture: Enhancing Today's Economy. It's the first of its kind to be offered by Ball State and offers an extensive analysis of public policies dealing with Americans with disabilities in the workplace. This semester, students gained an insider's view of the political process from guest lecturers Tim Berry, auditor of the State of Indiana, and Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis and senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications for Eli Lilly and Company. Both lecturers highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, especially in light of the current job climate.
Recent college graduates are having a difficult time finding jobs. The environment is much tougher for graduates with disabilities. That's why the students who took my course were required to prepare a "Career Road Map to Sustainable Employment," a business/political agenda for the next 10 years, which included their employment goals. This exercise underscores my belief that it's incumbent upon us to determine our own destinies, so that ultimately we can become self-sufficient members of our communities.
I wish all 2010 graduates the best as they begin on their career paths. Your ability to navigate the complexities of life will serve you well in your quest for meaningful employment. Education in all its forms is the cornerstone to a civilized culture. Cherish your higher education as we count on you to enhance today's economy.
One of my responsibilities as a fellow is to teach a political science course, The Disability Culture: Enhancing Today's Economy. It's the first of its kind to be offered by Ball State and offers an extensive analysis of public policies dealing with Americans with disabilities in the workplace. This semester, students gained an insider's view of the political process from guest lecturers Tim Berry, auditor of the State of Indiana, and Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis and senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications for Eli Lilly and Company. Both lecturers highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, especially in light of the current job climate.
Recent college graduates are having a difficult time finding jobs. The environment is much tougher for graduates with disabilities. That's why the students who took my course were required to prepare a "Career Road Map to Sustainable Employment," a business/political agenda for the next 10 years, which included their employment goals. This exercise underscores my belief that it's incumbent upon us to determine our own destinies, so that ultimately we can become self-sufficient members of our communities.
I wish all 2010 graduates the best as they begin on their career paths. Your ability to navigate the complexities of life will serve you well in your quest for meaningful employment. Education in all its forms is the cornerstone to a civilized culture. Cherish your higher education as we count on you to enhance today's economy.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Why we all should connect with Indy Connect
In recent weeks, Central Indiana residents have been introduced to Indy Connect, a regional transportation initiative that has the potential to transform transportation in our community. It includes multiple modes of transportation - expanded roads, commuter and light rail, enhanced bus service, and bike and pedestrian walkways - to give us more ways to connect to our jobs, our loved ones, and our activities.
Decades of research - plus an unprecedented collaboration of businesses, government organizations, and not-for-profit groups - have produced a draft plan which lays out how we can integrate new and existing modes of transportation. The plan and the organization's web site also feature a draft regional map that allow residents to pinpoint exactly how they will be affected, and ultimately benefit.
Too often, transportation concerns are a barrier for people with disabilities to find and maintain employment. Imagine finally securing a job, but concerns about how you are going to transport yourself to it every day overwhelm you in the process. I drive a van - with a lift - that is accessible for my wheelchair. If there's a glitch with the lift and I have to take the van into the shop, I simply can't get to work, and thus, contribute to our economy.
I also hear concerns about transportation from the students with whom I work at Ball State University. They are educated, well-trained, and eager to enter the workforce. Yet, they fear a lack of accessible transportation may prohibit them from finding a job when they graduate.
In Central Indiana, our elected and community leaders recognize the need to be inclusive of people with disabilities when addressing transportation needs. Ball State's Jo Ann Gora, for example, has continued to support a state-of-the-art transportation system for students with disabilities. At the same time, people with disabilities, their loved ones and friends, must make their voices heard on why accessible transportation is so important.
They'll get the opportunity to do so this year. Throughout 2010, Indy Connect will be holding public meetings so citizens can comment on the draft plan. To learn more about Indy Connect, and to sign up for periodic updates, please visit www.indyconnect.org.
In a community like ours where employment centers are dotted throughout the region, it's imperative we connect everyone to available jobs. Indy Connect is a great first step.
Decades of research - plus an unprecedented collaboration of businesses, government organizations, and not-for-profit groups - have produced a draft plan which lays out how we can integrate new and existing modes of transportation. The plan and the organization's web site also feature a draft regional map that allow residents to pinpoint exactly how they will be affected, and ultimately benefit.
Too often, transportation concerns are a barrier for people with disabilities to find and maintain employment. Imagine finally securing a job, but concerns about how you are going to transport yourself to it every day overwhelm you in the process. I drive a van - with a lift - that is accessible for my wheelchair. If there's a glitch with the lift and I have to take the van into the shop, I simply can't get to work, and thus, contribute to our economy.
I also hear concerns about transportation from the students with whom I work at Ball State University. They are educated, well-trained, and eager to enter the workforce. Yet, they fear a lack of accessible transportation may prohibit them from finding a job when they graduate.
In Central Indiana, our elected and community leaders recognize the need to be inclusive of people with disabilities when addressing transportation needs. Ball State's Jo Ann Gora, for example, has continued to support a state-of-the-art transportation system for students with disabilities. At the same time, people with disabilities, their loved ones and friends, must make their voices heard on why accessible transportation is so important.
They'll get the opportunity to do so this year. Throughout 2010, Indy Connect will be holding public meetings so citizens can comment on the draft plan. To learn more about Indy Connect, and to sign up for periodic updates, please visit www.indyconnect.org.
In a community like ours where employment centers are dotted throughout the region, it's imperative we connect everyone to available jobs. Indy Connect is a great first step.
Monday, February 1, 2010
People with Disabilities will add Value to your Business
Recently, computerworld.com featured a Q&A with Neil Jacobson, founder and CEO of Abilicorp about how people with disabilities are well-suited for IT careers. In the article, Jacobson explains why people with disabilities are reliable and dependable employees:
"Many of us who have significant physical disabilities have to be creative and persistent for our own survival. Because we are often not able to do things the 'normal' way, we are literally forced to be creative and perform tasks however we can, and we carry that creativity into problem-solving in the workplace. We have to be persistent and know there's always a way to accomplish a task."
Jacobson continues this line of thought by explaining that people with disabilities also make good managers, because we are skilled at navigating the complexities of daily life and communicating our needs to others.
It's an intriguing concept, especially in light of today's economic climate. With Indiana's unemployment rate at 9.9 percent, and our national jobless rate at 9.7 percent, I don't doubt that people with disabilities are out of work right now. Yet, people with disabilities are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to our economy. The National Organization on Disabilities estimates that people with disabilities are better educated than ever, and are local, dedicated employees. Neil Jacobson - who worked for the same company for 29 years before launching his firm - has firsthand experience, helping place people with disabilities in good paying jobs.
As a person with a disability, I hope employers take a second look at people with disabilities when making hiring decisions. The diverse culture of our nation - and our world - has opened up emerging markets that many of us never thought possible. Understanding diversity has a significant impact on our collective potential for economic success. In these tough economic times, a diverse employee base - including people with disabilities - can simply help boost a company's bottom line.
"Many of us who have significant physical disabilities have to be creative and persistent for our own survival. Because we are often not able to do things the 'normal' way, we are literally forced to be creative and perform tasks however we can, and we carry that creativity into problem-solving in the workplace. We have to be persistent and know there's always a way to accomplish a task."
Jacobson continues this line of thought by explaining that people with disabilities also make good managers, because we are skilled at navigating the complexities of daily life and communicating our needs to others.
It's an intriguing concept, especially in light of today's economic climate. With Indiana's unemployment rate at 9.9 percent, and our national jobless rate at 9.7 percent, I don't doubt that people with disabilities are out of work right now. Yet, people with disabilities are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to our economy. The National Organization on Disabilities estimates that people with disabilities are better educated than ever, and are local, dedicated employees. Neil Jacobson - who worked for the same company for 29 years before launching his firm - has firsthand experience, helping place people with disabilities in good paying jobs.
As a person with a disability, I hope employers take a second look at people with disabilities when making hiring decisions. The diverse culture of our nation - and our world - has opened up emerging markets that many of us never thought possible. Understanding diversity has a significant impact on our collective potential for economic success. In these tough economic times, a diverse employee base - including people with disabilities - can simply help boost a company's bottom line.
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An attorney with a disability who uses an electric wheelchair as a mobility aid device, Gregory S. Fehribach is a leading consultant on accessible design. Learn more about The Fehribach Group at