Every year, in July, we celebrate the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law. For many, July 26, 1990, was a catalyst for slow change – change that is still being forged today, 34 years later.  

Today, there is a much higher level of respect for individuals with disabilities. That is, if you can see their disability. If you see someone walking around assisted by a cane with a red tip, you can assume some level of vision challenges. If you see someone in a wheelchair, you can assume they have mobility challenges.  

What about the child with sensory processing disorder who is throwing a tantrum in the cereal aisle of the grocery store because the bright lights, busy aisles and loudspeaker ads have overwhelmed him so much that when Dad asked what cereal he wanted his brain went into “fight, flight or freeze” mode? 

What about the teenager with autism spectrum disorder who is trying to communicate that they are overwhelmed, but all they can do is angrily yell at those around them? Or the pre-teen girl, who is shy in social situations, and ultimately starts to get left out of group functions because she doesn’t express her thoughts and feelings in the same way her peers do?  

Lastly, what about the mother who is trying to raise their children (who might even have a disability, as well) while also managing a chronic pain disorder? That mother is trying to balance her own needs and dwindling energy stores to make sure she is there for every soccer game, dance recital and IEP meeting, all while being in constant pain, but still wearing a smile. 

I read an online blog that said “one in five people currently have a disability. 100% of people will have some form of disability in their lifetime.” Those numbers are certainly concerning, but what I find more concerning is the lack of support for visible versus invisible disabilities. Can you guess which one receives more support? Which one is championed for more by those without disabilities?  

Our physical world has changed a lot in the last 34 years. Our perception of disabilities and our definition of those disabilities have also changed. They aren’t quite in an even race yet, but I feel like they grow closer every year.  

The Americans With Disabilities Act was a catalyst to change the world so everyone could have an equal chance at accessing it. An equal workforce, an equal education, an equal right to experience the same world as their peers. Now, we celebrate every July by recognizing how far we have come and how far we still have yet to go. 

Your Daily Puzzles

Cross|Word

Flipart

Typeshift

SpellTower

Really Bad Chess

So, how can you help? Whether or not you have a disability, you can always be an advocate for change. Show your support, be vocal with your support and be aware of the biases of you and those around you. Be a champion for change, and believe in the underdog. 

My name is Mandy, and I am that mother, my son is that teenage boy and my niece is that pre-teen girl. In 2021, I created a support group for parents like me called See the ABLE not the LABEL, and it is a peer-led support group for parents trying to navigate the landscape of their child’s disabilities. We meet virtually on the first and third Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. and will always welcome a new parent for support, camaraderie, commiseration and encouragement.

If you would like to join us, go to rivercenternh.org and register. While you’re there, check out the FACTBook to see if there are any resources that will help improve your life. If you find yourself treading water, trying not to sink, give me a call at The River Center and together we can make a plan to help get you back to dry land. 

Mandy Carter is the kinship navigator/community resource specialist/community health worker at The River Center. She connects families and individuals with local, state and federal resources. She has a passion for the disability community and advocacy.