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ADA Turns 25

July 24th, 2015 by flanews

Life wasn’t easy for Americans living with disabilities a quarter of a century ago. But as Matt Galka tells us, the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities act is a cause for celebration, but doesn’t mean the work is done.

John Kemp says there’s no comparison between 2015 and 1990.

“It’s so much better today because of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” he said.

Kemp, a quadruple amputee, was instrumental in getting the law signed 25 years ago.  It helped break down many walls there were holding people with disabilities back from living a normal life.

“The more that we’ve been able to include people with disabilities into the fabric for America, it lifts all boats, it increases the exchange, the understanding, and the appreciation of all people,” said Kemp.

Supporters marched through Florida’s Capital city to mark the 25th anniversary of the law that eliminated discrimination for people with disabilities. But many in attendance said there was still a lot of work to be done.

Florida disability advocate J.R. Harding agreed that things are better today.

“It’s like going from the dark ages to the light,” he said.

But the gaps remain in employment.

“If we’re truly to be sustainable, if we’re going to benefit from our diversity, and the richness and the talents of all people, individuals with disabilities need to be included,” said Harding.

Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart says the state is doing everything it can to make sure students with disabilities aren’t left behind.

“We’ve done great work in the state of Florida with our students with disabilities and actually exceed the national average in our growth with students with disabilities,” said Stewart.

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities hovers around 13 percent, a number many would like to see decrease dramatically in the next 25 years.

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