ADA opens opportunities, allows more independence

The Americans with Disabilities Act recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, having been signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The law improved life significantly for people with disabilities, and local leaders are looking forward to a continued effort to embrace and make life better for those with special needs.

Like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, ADA seeks to level the playing field, prohibiting discrimination and providing equal opportunity for those with disabilities. Every person should be able to take advantage of job opportunities, shop and be involved in government programs, the ADA.gov website details. ADA is a means to that end.

Miki Gudermuth, the founder and executive director of SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence in Cape Girardeau, recently told the Southeast Missourian's Katie Lamb that "the ADA has increased accessibility to places such as grocery stores, schools and restaurants." The importance of that access may escape those without disabilities, but Gudermuth, who relies on leg braces, crutches and a wheelchair, totally gets it.

"It used to be the shopping malls were the only places you could go for access, because everything was on one level," she said. "The mandate for curb cuts in downtown areas has made it easier to go to some of the older shops that exist in downtown areas. That was great for me."

Doing everything we can to make life as easy as possible for everyone is imperative. We are proud that Missouri's leaders, while praising the law and its accomplishments over the past quarter-century, are also looking ahead to continued improvements. Sen. Claire McCaskill, for example, spoke glowingly of ADA and its link to American life. It allows, she said, for the ever-present pursuit of the American dream.

Likewise, Gov. Jay Nixon acknowledged that "we have come a long way in the past 25 years, here in Missouri and across the country." But he also said, "There is still more work to be done." Furthermore, Attorney General Chris Koster said, while the past 25 years have given great progress for people with disabilities, "it is incumbent upon us all that we see these 25 years as only the beginning."

Missouri is fortunate to have leaders who are not satisfied just to have made progress, but vow ongoing improvement. As we continue to discuss diversity and a better society all around, those with disabilities are included in that conversation, thanks, in part, to the ADA.

Gudermuth points to our own communities of Cape and Jackson, praising them for being accommodating and warm. Twenty-five years later, we're proud to know we still possess genuine concern and a desire to make life better still for all.