This day is special, especially for those of us who may live with, or know someone with, a disability. Every year on July 26, National Disability Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate the American Disabilities Act. Signed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas – including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services.
The ADA defines a disability as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities. However, not every disability can be seen. In fact, hidden or non-visible disabilities can lead to a missed opportunity for empathy. Over 42 million Americans have a severe disability, and 96 percent of them are unseen. It can be debilitating living with chronic pain, renal failure, diabetes, a sleep disorder, extreme dizziness, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities or mental illnesses.
To continue our ongoing mission to create an inclusive environment where our team members help foster acceptance and equal opportunities for everyone, Peoples Gas encourages us to:
– Be proactive in considering reasonable adjustments for team members living with disabilities.
– Refrain from making any assumptions about the abilities of someone with a particular disability.
– Respect each other’s right to confidentiality; avoid pressuring a colleague into disclosing a disability or medical history.
– Encourage colleagues living with a disability to speak up if they feel they’ve been mistreated.
Deepen your understanding:
A Guide to Disability Rights Laws
Fact Sheet: Disability discrimination
HHR Office for Civil Rights Fact Sheet
Did You Know? Invisible Disabilities
Read works by authors living with disabilities.
SHARE: #ThanksToTheADA On July 26, 2021 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 31! Celebrate and tell your story! Use any media of your choosing (video, pictures, written word, or other). Then post to social media using #ADA31 or #ThanksToTheADA or share our blog post to show your support.
Logo- Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org) 1-800-949-4232
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