American Gov. BMQ1

11/7/10

Kimberly Yarnall

D Band

American Government

           Life for people with disabilities isn't easy. They are stuck in a world with "normal" people. "Normal" being defined as: people who aren't stuck to the confines of a wheel chair, being able to care for them selves, and not being looked at differently. Although people suffering from disabilities aren’t always looked at differently then people without disabilities, it still happens. In 1990 was when the Americans with Disabilities ACT passed. This made life for people with disabilities a great deal easier because it opened up a lot of opportunities for them. People with disabilities have a difficult time getting around if they have problems with their legs or lower body. This could result to them in a wheelchair. Other types of disabilities could make it hard to care for them selves. Being someone with a disability makes it difficult for everyday living.

            The Americans with Disabilities ACT allows the people of America suffering a type of disability the right to employment, state and local government programs and services, and means of transportation. This makes life for someone with a disability less complicated. People with disabilities don't want to be looked at differently because they struggle more than others. There is a story about a man who’s name was changed due to privacy, who was diagnosed with neurological condition that is chronic, but controllable. All throughout his life he had symptoms, but only became open about them later on in life. "Disability is seen as a private matter, a personal problem that a disabled individual struggles to negotiate in a world of 'normal' people, rather than a social or political issue." This shows that some people feel like they have to hide their disability so they aren't ridiculed by others. It isn't fair, and affects the way they choose to live. This Act has made it so the people in America who suffer with disorders and need the help from others are free to express themselves.

            Robert Durgdorf drafted the first version if the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. There was then numerous people that helped with the passing of the ADA. Making a bill or a law takes a lot of time, and isn't easy. Their is various people involved in the process and it can take awhile. I think that this Act is so important because it is a serious matter. I'd like to know that if someone I know, or if I ever suffer from a disability that there will be understanding from others and ways to help me or someone else. This Act means that the people with disabilities will be employed. They will have ways of transportation. If they need the help of others, they'll receive it. It just gives people the reassurance that it’ll be okay. This Act has had a positive influence on America because it shows equality. It is equality between the people who move around the streets without issues, and the people who need a little help.

Bibliography:

1. "Facts About the Americans with Disabilities Act." US EEOC Home Page. 9 Sept. 2008. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-ada.html>.

2. Bruce, Drake. "The American Disabilities Act, and a Fall That Opened My Eyes." Politics News, Elections Coverage, Political Analysis and Opinion. Aug. 2010. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/08/01/the-american-disabilities-act-and-a-fall-that-opened-my-eyes/>.

3. "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,AS AMENDED with ADA Amendments Act of 2008." ADA Home Page - Ada.gov - Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act. 15 June 2009. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.htm#12102>.

4. Deborah. "MCIL Journal." The Memphis Center for Independent Living. 26 July 2005. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <http://www.mcil.org/mcil/log/2005/072605s2.asp#90>.

5. "The Americans with Disabilities Act." Center for An Accessible Society. Web. 09 Nov. 2010. <http://www.accessiblesociety.org/topics/ada/index.html>.