We begin this month's Disability Minute on KUAF with a bit of history about the passage of the American's with Disabilities Act back in 1990. Progress on the bill was stalling in Congress and in a display of courage and strength, disabled persons converged on the capitol steps in what came to be known as the Capitol Crawl. Soon after, the bill passed and became law.
TRANSCRIPT:
This July is the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In recognition, KUAF - in partnership with Arkansas Support Network and area groups - is offering the Disability Minute this month.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark civil rights bill signed into law on July 26th, 1990. It ensures protections and equal opportunities for people with disabilities regarding public transportation, employment, accommodations, the telecommunications and government services. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and is considered to be on the same level of historical and cultural significance as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race. Before its passage, the ADA did encounter significant opposition from religious groups, businesses, and even Hollywood actors. The disability community mobilized, however, participating in direct action efforts including the 'Capitol Crawl', which is considered to be the single most important action in the passage of the ADA.
Join us each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this month for the Disability Minute on KUAF. For more on Arkansas Support Network: supports.org.
