Lisa from Iowa

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

I am currently a 58 year old student. I have visual impairment, diabetic retinopathy, and a host of other physical disabilities that impact my classwork. The staff at the school I am currently attending, online, has been wonderful in working with me to assist me in attempting to complete my degree. We are using such things as audio textbooks, Zoom (to read tests to me), magnifiers, where needed, etc. It is still a challenge but with these aids in place, I am able to accomplish my goals.It has helped overcome barriers with education, employment, and travel.

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.

My disabilities are, in comparison to the ADA having been established, relatively recent. I have had some for many years and others have developed within the last 10 years, so I have not had a need to utilize the ADA services before they were established.

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

I believe “senior” housing should be automatically required to be outfitted for handicap accessible entrances,, etc. I believe all schools should have, in place, measures to accommodate physical and visual impaired individuals. It should not be trial and error and having to search for the equipment needed while the individual waits. These are just a couple of the things I would like to see be established.