Today Is the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In Washington state and our local region, there are civil rights laws that protect people from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex/gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and more. On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted and added people with disabilities to those who are protected from discrimination. Per ADA.gov, "The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs." In alignment with the enactment of the ADA, July is also Disability Pride Month each year.
The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who "has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn)." This includes people with visible disabilities and those that cannot be seen; physical, mental and intellectual disabilities; disabilities that require an assistive device; and more.
At EvergreenHealth, we strive to support all patients, visitors and employees with disabilities. In March 2024, we renamed our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council to become the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Council. While accessibility was already an area of importance for the council, adding it into the name highlights our focus on inclusion of people with a variety of abilities, orthopedic and mobility issues, sensory issues and geriatric patients. Accessibility includes considerations like curbs, ramps, handrails, flooring, automatic doors, the width of hallways and doorways, the height, width and arms of chairs, the weight limit of toilets, signage/wayfinding, lighting, media, Braille markings and Pocket Talkers.
This fall – Sept. 30 through Oct. 6 – EvergreenHealth will support "A Week Without Driving," a national campaign championed by America Walks. The America Walks website says, "We want those who have the option to drive regularly to understand the barriers and challenges that non-drivers face when trying to move safely in their communities, and work with non-drivers to create better communities for all." We agree. A committee has formed at EvergreenHealth, and plans are underway to partner with local elected officials, support a public participation pledge, and offer a Transportation Resource and Mobility Fair in the Kirkland Galleria on Wednesday, Oct 2, from 12 to 2 p.m. "A Week Without Driving" supports those with physical and mental disabilities, as well as people of varied financial status, English proficiency, and age.
Everyone is encouraged to make it a goal to learn more about living and working with disabilities. You can start by reading the ADA law here: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, As Amended. Consider participating meaningfully in "A Week Without Driving." If you have been positively impacted by the ADA, make a social media post using the #ThanksToThe ADA hashtag. Happy birthday, ADA!
