Andrea from Colorado

How has the ADA impacted your life regarding travel/mobility, education, employment, or any other aspect?

I never knew how helpful the sidewalk and crossing accommodations could be until I started walking as visually impaired. The beeps from crosswalks, the change in surface textures and ramps help me tremendously when trying to walk around in the city. While I do have sight, my eyes do not stay open and these accommodations help me to feel secure when walking myself around as I don’t drive.

Can you share a “before and after” experience; e.g., before the ADA I couldn’t do X or was denied access to Y, and thanks to the ADA I can do Z.

I was not disabled prior to ADA but I have walked around in places with and without accommodations and tripping over curbs and walking with my eyes closed waiting for lights to change is very difficult. The beeping crosswalks help to know when light changes when my eyes are closed.

What advances in disability rights would you like to see in the next 30 years?

Awareness campaigns. I often feel that people just don’t understand the difficulties.