Commemorating the 1990 Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
“We need to be clear: The quality of a civilization can be measured by the respect it has for its weakest members. There is no other criterion” (Venerable Jérôme Lejeune).
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into U.S. law. It was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.
According to the White House:
Since that time, this landmark legislation has been a driving force in moving America closer to the promise of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for the 61 million individuals with disabilities in our country. The ADA prohibits disability discrimination by State and local governments; provides standards for access to places of public accommodation; protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace; and ensures equal access to health care, social services, transportation, and telecommunications. But even more than that, it enshrines the idea — central to the spirit of our Nation — that all of us are deserving of equal dignity, respect, and opportunity.
Recognizing and uplifting the dignity of each human is a cornerstone of the Catholic Church. Therefore, let us rejoice and commemorate these important protections for workers. And, let’s think about how we can each do our part to ensure dignity, respect, and opportunity for the people in our lives with disabilities.
Looking at Your Workplace Through an Inclusive Lens
When I studied literature in college, we often analyzed texts through a certain “lens.” For example, one of my favorite lenses to look through was an economic lens. Similarly, you can look at your workplace through a disability lens. How is your workplace serving people with disabilities—whether they’re customers or employees? Are people with disabilities included in decisions that will affect their experience? How can your organization go beyond compliance and switch to a service mindset?
Partnering with your diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or human resources teams might be the perfect place to start, as they will have knowledge on what your workplace is already practicing and its unique protocols and policies.
To kick things off, consider having a focus group where people with disabilities can give feedback, followed by a way for employees and customers to submit additional requests.
Here are some practical ways to make a difference, courtesy of ADA Anniversary website:
Appoint an ADA coordinator.
Survey internal and external company websites for accessibility, and identify which pages should be updated.
Evaluate how easy it is to access buildings, and identify areas for improvement.
If you’re part of a school, child care center, or parks and recreation department, make sure your playground(s) comply with ADA guidelines.
Make sure communication is accessible by, for example, providing sign language interpreters at large events or public meetings.
Depending on the size of your business, it may be useful to hire a consultant for advice on complying with ADA.
Advocate and Listen
According to the CDC, one in four people has a disability, and many of these disabilities are invisible. Keep the momentum going with a year-long plan for disability inclusion! Would a year-round employee resource group (ERG) for people with disabilities be beneficial? Is there a local service project that could benefit someone with a disability in your community?
For a Catholic perspective on life with disabilities and related topics, you can check out the writing of Madison Chastain, who has a great piece on how we can welcome people with disabilities in the Church. On Instagram, Erica Campbell, owner of Be a Heart, shares her mental health journey. Or, you can listen to the Anti-Depressing podcast, where co-hosts Jasmine Joubert and Chenele Shaw discuss everything from “liturgy to Lexapro [an antidepressant].” You can also learn more about the new USCCB Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities in this article by Mark Bradford, Word on Fire’s Fellow for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
There are many more resources out there; share what you know and love on social media, and tag us @catholicwomeninbusiness!
Above all, listen to people with disabilities, and advocate with them. And, if needed, here is a link for reporting an ADA violation.
Savanna Polasek is a nonprofit communications specialist, freelance writer, and creator of Memoir Ink. She is a Catholic convert and lives with her charming husband and daughter in Austin, Texas. In her free time she enjoys exploring Texas, listening to Catholic podcasts, reading, and writing fiction. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.