Posted July, 2000

My Life Changed After The ADA

By Nancy Duncan

In July of 1990, we were living in a new city and I was unsuccessfully searching for an after-school program for my 8-year-old son who has multiple disabilities. None of the programs would accept Daniel because of his disabilities.

I kept up with world events by listening to a recorded newsmagazine that cost four times the price of its print equivalent. I worked for an organization that felt it was unable to provide me with any compensation for my driver, and so I paid this expense out of my own pocket.

Today, 10 years after the passage of the ADA, many children with disabilities attend private daycare programs. I am offered a variety of alternative formats from many organizations, at no extral cost. My employers provide compensation for my reader/driver, understanding that this service makes me a far more productive employee.

When I attend theatrical productions I can request audio description. The train platform has detectable warnings along the edge and that makes using the transit system far less frightening. When I go to a hotel, i can be sure I am at the right room due to the Braille signage.

Everywhere I go, people are more aware of my needs as a blind peson. As I meet people across the state of Georgia, I am amazed at the new interest and opennes expressed about including people with disabilities . . .

I believe that the ADA has helped to make many people aware that we are people too and have a right to participate in everything.

Nancy Duncan
ADA Exchange of Georgia