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Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. I remember watching this on tv as a child. I asked my father if this would impact my life, knowing that I had a disability. He responded by saying he did not know. Little did both of us know that it would have a positive impact on my life, and many others in the future. As a child I had many dreams, but wondered if they would become a reality. Some of my dreams were going to college, and having a job. Having this piece of legislation helped me to go to school, work, and advocate for others. I did not feel the impact or understand the reality until I was an adult.
When I was in college, The ADA helped me to ensure I had the accommodations needed for my disability. I had a note taker, extended test time, tutoring, and early scheduling. I also received funding from Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, OVR for college. Having the funding and federal aide helped me to graduate debt free. It became real to me when I had to sign my name on a document for extended test time and on my Induvial Service plans. During my university years I also began to advocate for myself. The school would provide the accommodations, but it was my responsibility to advocate. I had to introduce myself to new professors and tell them that I had a disability and these were the accommodations I would be using. Most of my professors at university were helpful and willingly to accommodate. I had a few who didn't understand, but I learned how to deal with them. Hard work, and accommodations helped to achieve the dream of getting my bachelors degree.
Learning how to advocate was an important skill, that I still use today. In the workplace I have to ask for accommodations. My disability has not gone away and I still need to have different ways to do tasks. It became real to me when I had to advocate for myself at the workplace. I have had jobs were employers could not understand why I could not understand why my visual perception made it hard to put staples and hole punches in a straight line. Eventually I was given an electric hole puncher. Modern copiers also have a hole punching and stapling features on them.
I also have to advocate for myself but telling employers that I can not do math. I have had to turn down jobs, if the job required math aptitude. All of the students I work with know not to ask me for help with math. I also teach each of my students how to advocate for themselves. Knowing how to advocate is an important skill, because many of our students will graduate but their disability will stay with them for life. It is especially important to speak up for myself, because my disability is hidden. People cannot see why I cannot do math, line holes in a straight line, or drive a car.
The lack of understanding from others is more frustrating than the disability itself. I have people who try to fix me with cures and unsolicited advice. I have others who think that I can do everything and I have no limitations. Other people react oppositely and think that I cannot do much with having a disability. None of these extreme approaches work or help me accomplish my goals. I have learned ways to compensate for having one.
I am not the same person who watched this law signed many years ago. I once struggled with doubt and shame that came with having a disability. Now I cannot imagine another life than I have now. I know what my needs are and I am not afraid to advocate for myself. Advocating has been the key to my success, because others can't see my needs. I also get the chance to teach others how to advocate for themselves. It is my hope that learning how to do this will give them a head start on their journey. Advocating never gets easier, but I become better at it each time I use it. Having disability legislation provides the opportunity to dream many dreams, but the work and advocacy I use makes it a reality.
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