ADA in the News August 4, 2020

The Disability Rights Movement Needs to Be More Inclusive

With the anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, a lot of disabled people are in an odd position. We’re supposed to be celebrating legislation that’s supposed to ensure accessibility. It’s kind of America’s way of saying “look at what we (able-bodied/neurotypical people) have done for you as a disabled person.” Then we are supposed to clap and cry, or something. However, a lot of people who aren’t in our community don’t understand the ADA.

The Americans With Disabilities Act is supposed to ensure accessibility if you have needs in relation to physically or mentally being in a space. You are supposed to be provided with supports that make these spaces accessible, such as a ramp, an interpreter, or using a stim toy. (Stims/fidgets help people focus and feel comfortable in a physical space.) However, as great as the ADA is, it’s a tad decorative. In the year 2020 many businesses claim they can’t financially handle making buildings accessible. People who need wheelchairs are still harassed if they don’t always need one. People with invisible disabilities are still being told they don’t look disabled or are faking. Fewer than 25% of disabled people attend college. This doesn’t even get into unemployment rates.

Lawsuit: Disability group teamed up with Muskegon to allow inaccessible businesses

An advocate for people with disabilities says the city of Muskegon conspired with a local developer and a nonprofit that is supposed to advocate for the disabled to retaliate and discredit her, after she complained two businesses in a city-backed downtown revitalization project were not accessible to customers who use wheelchairs.

In a federal lawsuit, Eleanor Canter alleges the nonprofit Disability Network West Michigan, which has a contract with the city, gave the Heritage Square Commons project its “seal of approval,” despite the fact the project did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Disability Disclosure Successful Interview Process Evaluation Report Released

Disabled Person, Inc has published a new report that outlines the issues and offers advice for people wondering if they should disclose their disability during an interview.

Should I Tell My HR Department That I Have a Disability?

It can be intimidating whether you want to acknowledge that you have a disability to your company.

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