What are you doing to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act?
I'm in full geek mode huddled in front of my computer, Pepsi in hand, and applauding (to myself of course) as I watch the amazing webcast of the National Forum of Disability Issues here on Disaboom. If you're reading this before 4:30pm EST, you MUST go check out it out too. I've learned, laughed, and even got a little teary and there's three more hours to go of of this disability goodness!
[Picture catpion: Banner graphic of American flag with text reading, "Feel the power of the disability vote."]
I've never mastered the art of live blogging, but I thought I'd give it a whirl by covering a few of the highlights of the event so far and then I'll add other thoughts in the comments section below this post. If you're watching, I'd love to hear your opinions on the webcast too. Here are a few of my favorite events so far (as of about 1:30pm EST):
- Andy Imparato, the President of AAPD, was one of the opening speakers. I met Andy a few years ago at a National Youth Leadership Conference and remember his powerful speech on his decision to disclose his bipolar disorder to his coworkers. I still think of him several times a week as I work with children and families receiving the diagnosis of bipolar. I wish the general public had more role models like Andy, because he represents so much hope and potential.
- David Hall, the CSI actor with a disability, delivered another powerful opening speech. He shared some amazing numbers...There are 54 MILLION American citizens with disabilities, 37 million are voters. Imagine how many million more friends, family, and associates of people with disabilities also consider their vote based on disability issues! Beyond the numbers, David gave a list of ways we could ALL get involved and rock the vote. Here's what you can do:
- Educate at least one other person with a disability about about the issues influencing our community so they can make an educated vote.
- Help someone register to vote or submit an application for an absentee ballot.
- Provide transportation or travel with a person a person with a disability to the polls and VOTE!
- Rebecca Hare, a personal friend, is speaking on the panel right now as a representative of the leadership of youth with disabilities. I love our identity as "Generation ADA" because we have grown up with the benefits of ADA and IDEA. Rebecca points out the flip side of this coin as the dangers of NOT talking about disability or teaching children to identify as "I don't have a disability, I just learn differently/move slower/look different." This way of thinking denies young people with disabilities an aspect of their culture. They should be able to develop pride, friendships, and a personal history BECAUSE of disability not in SPITE of it.
As people with disabilities, we fight every day to have our voices heard and I'm thankful for all the leaders that have made today's webcast possible. Last year, I celebrated ADA Day with some scrumptious cupcakes and the development of a presentation on disability etiquette in the workplace. This year, I feel surrounded by leaders and heroes that I carry with me each and every day. The term inspired related to disability has been soured too often with overuse, but there's no better descriptor for the feeling I have as ADA turns 18. I can't wait to ROCK THE VOTE in November.
Are you watching the webcast? What's your favorite part?
