As a person who was injured after the ADA was put in place, I can’t imagine how people and things went down without it. Simple things like curb cuts, push buttons for doors, make all the difference in the world for people with disabilities. It’s unfortunate that we had fight for it. So, I appreciate everyone who played a role in bringing the ADA to fruition. Without the people that speak, we wouldn’t have these opportunities and options available to us. Whether you’re in a power chair or in a manual chair, it’s all the same. We have limits and we are human beings. Society needs to recognize us as real people rather than just “things on wheels.”
CMS and Coverage of Medical Equipment
I also believe power is in numbers. We cannot stay silent. We have many people advocating for us, thanks to the ADA. While things have been changing, it’s not going as fast as we would like. Medicare and Medicaid are a great example of this. With inflation and rising prices, Medicare and Medicaid have been hurting us, putting us down when we need the devices we are requesting. Or, they give you one thing and deny you something else. This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed.
Accessibility in States
The other thing I want to raise is that some of the bigger states are more compliant when it comes to the ADA, yet there are other states that are not complaint and continue to get away with it. How can we change that? It starts with our leaders in government speaking out for disability rights and the ADA. Let’s help each other fix this and make it right.
In the meantime, let’s keep the conversation going when it comes to the needs of those with disabilities. Reach out to the leaders in your state and speak your mind. We have to start somewhere. Happy anniversary of the ADA!
About Jesse Cuellar: Jesse is an artist and a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. An accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, so he uses his mouth to paint and expresses himself through his art. Jesse lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys painting and hanging out with his friends. Click here to learn more about Jesse.