State council recognized the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

SACRAMENTO – Even after the nation commemorated July 26, 2020, as the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act that was passed in 1990, the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities continues to publish a variety of stories from people with disabilities about how the law has impacted their lives. The special anniversary was also declared by California Gov. Gavin Newsom as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day.

The Statewide Self-Advocacy Network within SCDD is a group that connects self-advocates, their communities and statewide organizations to increase leadership by people with disabilities. One of its members who lives in Sacramento, Renee Wooten said, “We have come a long way in terms of access to employment, transportation and long-term services and supports.”

The anniversary is also an opportunity for people to think about how there is more work to be done for people with disabilities to achieve the goals of the ADA including full participation, independent living, equality of opportunity and economic self-sufficiency.

Wooten said, “I was lucky to be included in a Target ad when I was a kid. It has been neat to see other clothing chains start to include people with disabilities in their clothing lines. I look forward to a future where families with disabilities are present in ad campaigns. I look forward to living in a world where people who use assistive technology like wheelchairs and canes are looked at no different from people who wear hearing aids or glasses.”

Maria Marquez, chair of SCDD, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone of the Americans with Disabilities Act. People with disabilities have worked tirelessly to make our voices heard in the community, and the Council will continue their work to make every community a place where people with disabilities can have the same full and equal opportunities for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as all other people.”

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities’ ADA stories and discussions from its SSAN members, regional advisory committee members and council members can be found on its Facebook page.

Submitted by California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.