Americans with Disabilities Act
This week, Ubique Tech celebrated the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA’s 32nd Anniversary
July 26th was the 32nd anniversary of the signing of ADA. This act « prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in areas, such as employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs and services. »
ADA was modeled after the U.S. civil rights movement. The inspiration to pass the legislation was rooted in our nation’s centuries-long struggle to form « a more perfect union ». The Act stemmed from the fundamental concept that we are all different. We all deserve to be treated with equity, humanity, and respect.
Americans with Disabilities Act’s worldwide impact
The ADA has also had a global influence.
« Crucially, this legislation has also become a model for lawmakers and activists around the world seeking to end discrimination against people with disabilities in their countries, » according to a 2020 report by National Geographic. « Since 2000, more than 180 countries have passed legislation inspired by the ADA. »
The disability community’s movement
The disability community has made enormous gains in the past three decades, though millions of people with disabilities still face barriers, discrimination, and ostracism in our society.
Unemployment for people with disabilities is double or triple the rate compared to people without disabilities. People with disabilities face greater poverty than the general population. Disability rights groups today say that rather than increasing access to the polls, election laws nationwide are making it harder for people with disabilities to cast a ballot by restricting vote-by-mail options and failing to ensure in-person voting is fully accessible.
At the same time, the disability community is still making gains. Pressure from disability advocates has helped shape the country’s response. Learn more about the five important federal laws that protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and the job application process.
How will people with disabilities fare in the decades to come? Only time will tell. But whatever the future holds, Ubique Tech is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities by offering access to gamified therapy.
