July 2020 marks the 30th anniversary since the American's with Disabilities Act was signed into law. In celebration of this historic achievement, we remember those who fought and protested to make it happen. Change does not happen overnight, it requires a new way of thinking and a progressive philosophy that promotes self-determination and independence. We would like to dedicate this moment to Ed Roberts and the Independent Living Movement.

The Independent Living Movement

Before the Independent Living Movement, people with disabilities were seen as incapable of controlling their own lives. Ed Roberts was one of the first activists that promoted progressive ideas to shape new ways of thinking at the height of the civil rights movement. The Independent Living Movement pushed for major legislation concerning the rights of people with disabilities, resulting in passing the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Independent Living Movement formed a grassroots community that fought for major legislation to increase disability rights, resulting in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA provides comprehensive protection against discrimination for people with disabilities; closely modeled after the Civil Rights Act. The ADA reflects a recognition that the surest path to America's continued strength and vibrancy is through the full realization that people with disabilities have the right to govern their lives, and live in the community of their choice. 

To learn more about the ADA, please visit https://www.ada.gov/infoline.htm

The elimination of policy and physical barriers based on old assumptions about disabilities could not have happened without the right to vote. Alliance of Disability Advocates asks the disability community to speak up on issues of injustice. Visit our website to see how to update your registration and options to have your voice heard this November. Reach out to info@adanc.org to have your questions answered. We will not endorse any political candidate or party, but we will help find the information you need.

Voting Resources

My ADA Story: Being “The Best Employee I Can Be” By Sydney Breslow

More falling, no college education, no job, and living with my parents. . .this is my life without the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). My name is Sydney Breslow, and I have a Mitochondrial Disorder that affects my balance, speech, vision, and walking. Despite these challenges, I live independently in an apartment, earned a master’s degree in Special Education, and work full time at Alliance of Disability Advocates. The Americans with Disabilities Act allowed me to successfully attend college and graduate school to earn degrees in special education. I received many accommodations in college that made this period of my life doable, such as extra time on tests, text to speech for all my reading assignments, and transportation amongst buildings on campus. Despite these amazing accommodations, nothing could eliminate the fear of living on my own for the first time. But I survived college and graduate school and now. . . The Americans with Disabilities Act allows me to navigate my community with only the assistance of leg braces and occasionally a walker. The curb cutouts and accessible parking the ADA requires permits me to navigate sidewalks fearlessly and, when necessary, conserve energy by utilizing accessible parking. While I truly believe my employer would accommodate me whether it was law or not, the reasonable accommodation portion of the Americans with Disabilities Act allows me to receive accommodations that permit me to work in the most efficient way possible with my disability. From my large screen monitor that I got on my first day of employment for my visual impairment to the headset I recently received to help me with speaking on the phone, I am always thinking of new ways to help myself be “the best employee I can be.”  Thank you to all the amazing people who fought for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. You have forever changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and go to school!

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA!

Success Stories

Finding affordable housing remains challenging for several consumers, but its vitality in establishing independence cannot be overstated. Our Community Inclusion Specialist assisted a consumer with applying to the Targeted Unit Program (TUP). The consumer acquired the correct Social Security benefits awards letter and made her choices from the TUP property list. Her housing paperwork was completed and sent to the housing assessor. ADANC staff received an email stating that there was a property open and staff paired the consumer with the property manager. Unfortunately, that process was halted due to COVID-19 and social distancing regulations . ADANC staff contacted the property manager to see if there were any provisions that could be made to assist the consumer. The property manager stated the consumer could utilize the drop box at the property managers office to leave and exchange the necessary paperwork to complete the lease.  After more than 90 days of acquiring proper documentation and signing paperwork. The consumer received her move-in date. She received her keys to her new unit on June 17, 2020 and has now completed her goal of living in the community independently.

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Casino Night

With regard to the well being of our community, we have decided to postpone our annual Casino Night until 2021. This was a tough, but necessary decision to slow the spread of COVID-19. We would like to give a special shout out to our sponsors and vendors, and encourage everyone to support them. Special Shout out to: Clouds Brewing Run Raleigh E&M Construction Cadgewith Farms Professional Healthcare, Inc. Pinot's Palette - Brier Creek JellyBeans Super Skate Center The Carolina Theatre Bad Daddy's Burger Bar Four Points by Sheraton  NC State  Duke University

What What We're Reading

Those Face Mask "ADA Exemption" Cards Are Dangerous Nonsense Every morning I get a text message from my disabled grandmother's nursing home telling me how many residents have died "COVID related deaths" since the pandemic began. As of Friday morning? Eighteen. Every night, I dread the possibility of waking ... Read more slate.com

Trump Administration Releases Aid For Disability Service ... Amid questions about delays, the Trump administration is sending billions of dollars in aid to disability providers and others funded by Medicaid who have been hard hit by the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said this... Read more www.disabilityscoop.com

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