July is Disability Pride Month, in which we take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible society. At Medicalincs, we know that people with disabilities can face challenges in healthcare, and we have worked hard to ensure that there are adequate solutions to these challenges. To see an example of our work in this area, check out Health Equity: Addressing Social Determinants of Health.

We know that there is still much work to be done, both in educating and advocating for accessibility and equity for all.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), explore what constitutes a disability, and discuss the importance of accessibility.

The History of the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation in the United States, signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Its primary goal is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. The ADA was a result of years of advocacy and activism by individuals with disabilities and their allies. Before the ADA, people with disabilities faced significant barriers to employment, education, and access to public spaces. The ADA consists of five titles that expand protections to employment, public services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions, the last of which protects people with disabilities from being retaliated against for asserting their rights under the ADA.

What is a Disability?

It’s important to note that a disability can be either visible or invisible. A disability, as defined by the ADA, is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including:

• Physical Disabilities: Mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy).
• Cognitive Disabilities: Intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries.
• Mental Health Conditions: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder.
• Sensory Disabilities: Conditions that affect senses like sight, hearing, or touch

Disability is not just a medical condition but also involves how society is structured. Many barriers faced by individuals with disabilities are due to societal attitudes and physical environments that are not inclusive or accommodating.

The Importance of Accessibility

Accessibility is crucial in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in society. It involves creating environments—physical, digital, and social—that accommodate the diverse needs of people with disabilities.

Physical Accessibility

Features like ramps, elevators, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms are essential for physical accessibility. The ADA provides standards for accessible design that public and private entities must follow, which allows individuals with disabilities to have access to buildings, public spaces, and transportation systems.

Digital Accessibility

With the rise of technology, digital accessibility has become increasingly important. This means ensuring that websites, apps, and other digital platforms are usable by people with disabilities. This can involve providing text alternatives for images, ensuring keyboard navigability, and offering captions for videos.

Attitudinal Accessibility

Changing societal attitudes towards disability is also a key aspect of accessibility. This involves challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding, and fostering environments where people with disabilities are respected and included. Disability awareness training in workplaces and schools can help cultivate a more inclusive culture.

Conclusion

Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the ADA’s enactment and to recognize the work still needed to achieve full inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. By understanding the history of the ADA, what constitutes a disability, and the importance of accessibility, we can all contribute to a more inclusive society. At Medicalincs, we are dedicated to advocating for and supporting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.