ADA Set to Celebrate 20 Years as Law
|
|
Published: Tuesday, February 02 2010.
 In the summer of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law of the land. Changes on that large a scale do not happen without the efforts of many. One of the trailblazers, Justin Dart, is widely recognized as the "father of the ADA." Born in 1930, Dart contracted polio at the age of 18 and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He led the movement for "disabilities rights" for over three decades. As an entrepreneur and civil rights activist, he received presidential appointments and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dart died in 2002 at age 71.
This summer, however, Dart will be remembered at the 20th anniversary celebration of the ADA at the U.S. Social Forum to be held in Detroit, June 22 - 26. The Detroit-based Matrix Theater Company is crafting a giant street puppet in Dart's likeness to be used in theater pieces, parades and demonstrations throughout the summer, debuting at the June event. The Matrix Theater involves the community, raising the $7500 needed to complete the project. Once the Dart puppet is built it will join the ranks of other Matrix masterpieces in the likeness of Martin Luther King, Mother Jones and Caesar Chavez. You can make a donation to Matrix at Facebook.
"If the giant Justin Dart puppet is used to communicate his cry for everyone to 'Lead the Revolution of Individual Empowerment' particularly to youth with disabilities, it would be awesome, and extremely meaningful and valuable," said Yoshiko Dart, his wife. The ADA ensures accessibility to public places and work places for people with disabilities. Advocate groups for those with disabilities stay vigilant to businesses and community venues that do not abide by ADA guidelines, often challenging them in court and with lawsuits if necessary. The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition has current cases pending against Abercrombie & Fitch/Hollister Stores and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. Ramps, sidewalk cutouts, and elevators are a way of life now. If you remember what things were like before ADA, share an experience.
|
| |
New Tool for Caregivers
|
|
Published: Monday, February 15 2010.
If you are one of the over 50 million Americans who provides care for a loved one, you will want to check out a new online tool. It is still in beta stage, so you can also be one of the early testers of this tool. The founders are inviting ...more
|
| |
PEAK Parent Center Launches 24th Annual Conference on Inclusive Education
|
|
Published: Tuesday, February 09 2010.
PEAK Parent Center opens its 24th annual conference on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. The conference runs through Saturday, February 13, 2010. Walk-in registrations take place Thursday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. and Friday at 7:00 a.m.
The conference agenda addresses best practices and ...more
|
| |
Super Bowl 2010 Ads Please and Annoy
|
|
Published: Monday, February 08 2010.
Over 106 million people watched Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7, 2010. More than the final episode of M.A.S.H. It was a record breaker! And today, millions more are voting for their favorite commercials. Betty White in the Snickers ad is topping the chart. What a bonus when Abe Vigoda ...more
|
| |
Don't Get Too Stressed Watching the Super Bowl
|
|
Published: Saturday, February 06 2010.
Are you ready for this? Experts say that getting too riled up can wreak havoc. In fact, some say it can kill you. While on the face of it, this news seems a bit crazy, the research is rather convincing. We know high stress plays a role in elevated levels ...more
|
| |
Thoughts About My Retail Experience...Now Past
|
|
Published: Thursday, February 04 2010.
Having spent the last five years as a retailer, I find myself still following trends and predictions, even though I closed my store. In my case, the economy won this round. Who knows what will come, but for the moment, I am looking for expanded ways to make a living. ...more
|
| |
Looking for Inspiration
|
|
Published: Wednesday, February 03 2010.
While there is generally no dearth of inspirational stories around us, there are occasional days that seem low on brilliance. Last night was such a night for me, so I flipped on the Turner Classic Movie channel, hoping to catch a great Oscar winning movie as the channel does its ...more
|
| |
ADA Set to Celebrate 20 Years as Law
|
|
Published: Tuesday, February 02 2010.
In the summer of 1990, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law of the land. Changes on that large a scale do not happen without the efforts of many. One of the trailblazers, Justin Dart, is widely recognized as the "father of the ADA." Born in 1930, Dart contracted ...more
|
| |
Why not health insurance reform?
|
|
Published: Monday, February 01 2010.
I'm with the side that asks "why not." President Obama asked the Congress to reconsider and take another look before abandoning the efforts. The list is long with the needs, gaps and costs of reform. Why do we need this, shout the opposition. But, isn't the real question, why not? ...more
|
| |
More on Feet
|
|
Published: Wednesday, January 27 2010.
You might recall that we mused earlier about research that found that walking in high heels creates less stress than running in so-called "running shoes." Think what you will, but today there was more news about yet another study finding that running barefoot might be best, or at least more ...more
|
| |
|
Our blog
|
|
The Be Unlimited blog is hosted on Google's Blogspot. You can read it there at
BeUnlimited.BlogSpot.com and add your comments, questions, or thoughts to any of the blog postings you read here.
We love your comments! Please add your thoughts, responses, and musings to our blog.
|
| |
Be Our guest!
|
|
We feature a regular series of guest bloggers who express their opinions around Health, Comfort, and Independence.
If you'd like to join our series, please email
. You don't have
to be famous or an expert, just someone who feels strongly about issues.
|
| |
|
