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Your ADA Superpowers:
Proud, Informed, Empowered in the New Fiscal Year
By Angelica Deaton, JD. MEd. LLM Candidate, Office Coordinator – Research Assistant
Unlock a More Accessible World: Why Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Empowers Everyone
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a powerful civil rights law that has been shaping communities and impacting countless lives for over three decades. It is a silent force behind many everyday conveniences and equalities that are often taken for granted. Before the ADA was passed into law on July 26, 1990, millions of Americans with disabilities faced constant physical barriers and legal discrimination, which prevented them from fully participating in society. The ADA changed this, leading to things like ramps on city buses, accessible restrooms, and government websites usable by screen readers. It also ensures that qualified job applicants and employees with disabilities can request a reasonable accommodation to equally succeed in the workplace.
Understanding the ADA goes beyond just compliance. It is about creating a more inclusive, innovative, and fair society for everyone. It aims to build communities where dignity, independence, and full participation are truly possible. The ADA encourages everyone to be Proud, Informed, and Empowered.
- Proud: Celebrating Our Diverse Abilities. Being proud means recognizing the incredible strength, unique talents, and diverse perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. It is about celebrating disability as a valuable part of human diversity, not something to hide or overcome. When we stand proud, we challenge old ideas and show the world that accessibility benefits everyone, leading to richer, more innovative communities. This pride is our starting point for real change.
- Informed: Knowing Your Rights, Understanding the Law. Knowledge is truly power when it comes to the ADA. This groundbreaking civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas of life. It covers things like:
- Jobs (Title I): Employers must treat people with disabilities fairly and provide reasonable accommodations if needed, if it doesn’t cause major difficulty.
- State and Local Government (Title II): Public services, programs, and transportation must be accessible to everyone. Think accessible city buses or ramps at government buildings.
- Public Places (Title III): Businesses that serve the public (like stores, restaurants, movie theaters, doctor’s offices, and hotels) must be accessible and cannot discriminate.
- Telecommunications (Title IV): Requires phone and internet companies to provide services that help people with hearing or speech disabilities communicate.
Staying informed means knowing about the parts of the law and what they mean for you. It helps you understand your rights, whether you are looking for a job, visiting a public park, or using a website.
- Empowered: Taking Action, Making a Difference. Feeling empowered means knowing you can speak up and act to make things better. It is about moving from understanding the law to making it work in real life. This could mean:
- Speaking Up for Yourself: Asking for a ramp if there are only stairs or requesting information in a different format if you have a visual impairment.
- Helping Others: Sharing what you know about the ADA with friends or family or pointing out a barrier you see in your community.
- Getting Involved: Joining local groups that work for disability rights or participating in community discussions about accessibility.
- Seeking Help: Knowing where to go if you believe your ADA rights have not been respected.
Every step, big or small, helps build a more inclusive world. Your voice matters, and your actions contribute to breaking down barriers.
This is where your local support comes in. As the Southeast ADA Center, we are part of the national network of ten centers dedicated to helping people understand and implement the ADA. Our center serves eight states in the Southeast region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
At the Southeast ADA Center, we are committed to empowering individuals and communities through various resources. We provide:
- Personalized Help: We answer your specific questions about ADA rights and responsibilities through our toll-free phone line: 404-541-9001
- Training & Education: We offer programs for businesses, government agencies, and individuals to learn more about accessible best practices.
- Resource Connection: We help you connect with organizations and services related to the ADA that can assist you.
- Plain Language Information: We translate the complex parts of the ADA into easy-to-understand language through our newsletters and other publications.
- ADALive: Listen to our monthly podcast to stay updated on critical ADA topics and engage with experts.
Specifically in Tennessee, we work closely with various organizations, community groups, and individuals to spread awareness and provide technical assistance related to the ADA. Whether it’s helping a local business understand how to make their storefront accessible or guiding an individual about their rights in the workplace, the Southeast ADA Center is a vital resource. We aim to ensure that the spirit of the ADA is truly felt and seen across our state, helping Tennesseans with disabilities live full, independent lives.
As we embrace this new fiscal year, let’s carry forward the spirit of the ADA. Be Proud of the diverse strength in our community, stay Informed about your rights, and feel Empowered to advocate for true access and inclusion. The Southeast ADA Center is here to support you every step of the way.
For more information and to access our resources, visit the Southeast ADA Center website at ADAsoutheast.org. Your questions are welcome, and your journey toward full accessibility is our shared mission
About the Author
Angelica Deaton, JD. Med. LLM Candidate, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, has over seven years of professional experience in the United States, advocating for equal access in community health through her work in education and communication services. Her impactful career includes roles with the CDC Foundation/TN Department of Health, the TN Disability Pathfinder at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, and Alive Hospice. Additionally, Angelica has more than fifteen years of valuable experience as a legal program manager and attorney for the Colombian government.