23rd Anniversary of The Americans With Disabilities Act

 

Signed into law by former president George W. Bush in 1990, the ADA was the first civil rights law passed to eliminate discrimination against citizens with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, telecommunications and public accommodations. While only 23 years old, the ADA has helped push America forward toward building a more inclusive society. The ADA was founded on the principle outlined by Congress which acknowledges that "physical or mental disabilities in no way diminishes a person's right to fully participate in all aspects of society..."[1] The opportunity to be integrated into society and be a fully participatory member should be available to each and every citizen, regardless of ability.

While we are 23 years down the road past the original signing of the ADA, citizens with disabilities still face many barriers of inequality. We continue to hear stories of people being excluded from their communities, unable to access reliable public transportation, being unemployed or underemployed and left with few housing options. We know that individuals are still unable to have complete access to technology and are prevented from realizing their fullest potential within the workforce. Citizens with disabilities still face stereotypes, uninformed attitudes and patronizing actions by those who have failed to push the envelope forward and honor the principles that the Americans with Disabilities Act was built upon.  We are hopeful that the Employment First initiatives being implemented around the country will guide us in fulfilling the promise of the ADA.  

 

As we approach the 23rd Anniversary of the ADA - July 26^th...                                    JUSTIN DART

let us seek to fulfill the words of former disability rights activist Justin Dart, who once called for "...solidarity among all who love justice, all who love life, to create a revolution that will empower every single human being to govern his or her life, to govern the society and to be fully productive of life quality for self and for all."[2] Let us make a recommitment to affirm the values and goals of the ADA and see that true and complete integration becomes a reality for every citizen of our society.

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[1]Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 42 U.S.C. § 12101 www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm

[2] Disability Social History Project. Statement from Justin Dart. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.disabilityhistory.org/people_dart.html#jdstate 

I Never Thought...

On My Own is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) agency in Oakland County that helps adults with mild developmental disabilities become independent, social and contributing members of the community.  
 
Since 1997, On My Own has taught adults the basic life skills necessary for successful, independent living. Members receive customized support from their staff through:

• Structured Classes
• Social and Recreational Activities
• Individualized Counseling & Guidance
• Our Apartment Living Program

The comprehensive program of On My Own is focused on helping those with mild developmental disabilities to live independently and successfully in the community, building a life and a network of support that includes On My Own peers and the community at large.

On My Own is supported by families, friends, guardians and volunteers. At its heart, On My Own is composed of caring people who give their time in order to make the lives of others better.

Enjoy their inspiring new video, "I Never Thought..."

Building Dreams @TechShop:Detroit

Interested in building your technical skills?  The TechShop is a vibrant, creative community that provides access to tools, software and space. You can make virtually anything at TechShop. Come and build your dreams!

TechShop is a playground for creativity. Part fabrication and prototyping studio, part hackerspace and part learning center, TechShop provides access to over $1 million worth of professional equipment and software. We offer comprehensive instruction and expert staff to ensure you have a safe, meaningful and rewarding experience. Most importantly, at TechShop you can explore the world of making in a collaborative and creative environment.

What We Offer
Each of our facilities includes laser cutters, plastics and electronics labs, a machine shop, a wood shop, a metal working shop, a textiles department, welding stations and a waterjet cutter. Members have open access to design software, featuring the entire Autodesk Design Suite. Huge project areas with large work tables are available for completing projects and collaborating with others. Free coffee and fresh popcorn are always available for your enjoyment. We also offer a number of experience-driven corporate events developed specifically to bring teams together and engage them in the act of making.

How It Works
It's simple. Anyone may attend classes. For a monthly or annual fee, members can reserve and use TechShop's tools upon successful completion of equipment-specific Safety and Basic Use (SBU) classes. Talented staff members are available full time to help develop ideas and improve technical skills.