Giving thanks for the lifeline of the ADA on its 34th anniversary
The Americans with Disabilities Act enables people like my son to lead full lives
Game shows have experienced a resurgence in recent years, captivating audiences with their blend of entertainment, competition, and nostalgia. I’ve always liked game shows, especially those involving trivia.
In “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” contestants answer multiple-choice questions; if they’re correct, they advance to the next level, with the potential to earn more money. If they answer every question correctly, they win a $1 million prize.
Contestants also have lifelines they may use when stumped by a question. They can poll the audience, have two wrong answers eliminated from their choice of four, or phone a friend.
But lifelines aren’t only used on game shows. People trapped by rushing waters are thrown lines to pull them to safety. A cellphone or satellite communicator can be a lifeline for those lost on a hike, and a job offer can be a lifeline for someone close to financial ruin.
And there’s another important example that deserves recognition.
The impact of the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law on July 26, 1990. It’s a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures that they have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA consists of requirements for employers, state and local governments, public transit systems, businesses that serve the public, and telecommunication companies. It’s a lifeline for those who have limitations because of a physical or mental impairment.
My youngest son, Caeleb, is 18 years old and lives with severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor. Years of internal bleeds in his right knee and ankle caused damage to those joints. Although the bleeding episodes happened during his elementary school years, chronic pain and reduced mobility now serve as daily reminders of what Caeleb endured.
The ADA has been a lifeline for Caeleb, ensuring he receives the accommodations he needs to succeed in various aspects of his life. At school, the law guaranteed him extra time for tests and the ability to leave class for medical treatments. These provisions allowed him to stay in school.
As Caeleb transitions to college this fall, the ADA provides a safety net, ensuring that the institution he attends will accommodate his needs. That means accessible facilities, reasonable adjustments in coursework, and support from faculty and staff who understand his condition.
These accommodations aren’t just about convenience; they’re vital for Caeleb to pursue his education and career goals without being hindered by hemophilia. Fortunately, not all who are afflicted with the condition experience the same disabling effects as Caeleb.
The ADA plays a critical role in public life for people with disabilities. Access to public transportation, buildings, and services is essential for Caeleb’s independence and participation in the community. Without the ADA, many of these aspects of daily life would be fraught with obstacles, limiting his ability to live a full and active life.
In essence, the ADA is a lifeline much like those in game shows: It provides essential support at critical moments, helping people to navigate life’s challenges and pursue their goals. Just as a contestant uses lifelines to reach the million-dollar prize, Caeleb and countless others rely on the ADA to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives.
On July 26, the ADA’s 34th anniversary, let us take a moment to acknowledge this life-changing law that has helped millions of people have the same opportunities as those without disabilities. While game shows such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” entertain us with the concept of lifelines, the ADA serves that real-world purpose, granting people with disabilities the support they need to thrive.
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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