Garrett from California

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

The ADA has allowed me to have equal access to classroom instruction and material. I do have a vision to make ALL books accessible to all children/ students. Most people do not know that when a student enters their school library, they are barred from checking out a book that is not in the reading level. For example. I have dyslexia. Because they don’t offer audio books in the school library, I am forced to read books that are way below my age. In 6th grade, I was forced to read Green Eggs and Ham. It was embarrassing and I was ashamed. I want this to stop. Students should have equal opportunity and access to all levels of reading regardless of reading level.

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.

Before ADA, I would be in a separate classroom and receiving separate material because of my dyslexia. Now, ADA makes sure that I receive equal material.

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

I would like to see equal rights in school libraries. Librarians don’t let students check out books that are not in their reading level. I have dyslexia, and I am forced to read child like books.