Why ADA Compliance Doesn't Always Mean Accessibility

Wheelchair users are seen in the Rose Garden at the White House as President Biden delivers remarks during an ADA celebration.

For the vast majority of my life I've navigated the intricate maze of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Designed to ensure equal access for all, the ADA has been instrumental in ensuring the rights of disabled people. Yet, in practice, the reality often falls short of the promise. Julie Reiskin, a fellow wheelchair user, captured this sentiment perfectly, telling USA TODAY, "It would be really nice if I could look at a website and have reliable information."

This disparity between expectation and reality isn't just about websites. It extends to physical spaces too. For instance, booking an ADA-compliant hotel room might promise a slightly bigger bathroom, but what's the use if I can't even enter the room due to a heavy door or lack of actuators? This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a barrier that hinders true accessibility.

My personal experiences mirror those of many others in the disability community. Just this summer, I voiced my concerns about a local Starbucks, a place I've frequented for nearly a decade. Their response? They were "in compliance with the ADA." But true access goes beyond mere compliance. Deborah Laufer's journey, involving over 600 cases filed for similar reasons, and now a pending Supreme Court of the U.S. case remarked, "I sometimes ended up sleeping in my car because I could not get an accessible room at a hotel."

The crux of the matter is that the ADA should be viewed as a starting point, not the end goal. True accessibility and inclusion mean going beyond the minimum requirements. As Shira Wakschlag of The Arc of the United States emphasized to Disability Scoop, "ADA testers are essential to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are enforced and protected."

In our quest for a more inclusive world, let's not just aim for the floor; let's reach for the ceiling. Let's not just be compliant; let's be truly accessible.

Following the Supreme Court overturning of affirmative action earlier this summer, many disability advocates, myself included, expressed concerns about the ADA being next on the chopping block. Sadly, it looks as though our fears were not unfounded.

I invite you to join the conversation, share your experiences, and together, let's push for a world where accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a heartfelt commitment.

'Sleeping in my car.' This Supreme Court case could change how disabled Americans book hotel rooms

Driving Change: The Role of Autonomous Vehicles in Disability Advocacy

Sharon Giovinazzo, CEO of LightHouse, a nonprofit organization for the blind and visually impaired, opens the door of a Waymo autonomous car with her guide dog Pilot in San Francisco on Monday. | Source:Jeremy Chen/The Standar

With the recent news out of California surrounding regulations for autonomous vehicles, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of transportation and the intersection of independence, safety, and innovation. Autonomous vehicles have the power to be transformative, and their impact and inclusion needs to be assessed from all sides.

The rise of robotaxis in cities like San Francisco has sparked a myriad of opinions. Sharon Giovinazzo, CEO of the nonprofit LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, told The San Francisco Standard, “It truly has the power to transform lives.”

For many of us with mobility challenges, the promise of a vehicle that doesn't fuss about Canine Companions® Pico or require assistance for boarding is tantalizing. It represents more than just transportation; it's a symbol of independence and choice.

However, my experiences with rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have not always been smooth. I've faced challenges, from drivers refusing rides because of my service dog to the sheer lack of accessible vehicles. These experiences underscore the need for more inclusive transportation solutions.

Yet, the promise of choice is also fraught with other practical considerations. The California Council of the Blind has voiced concerns about passenger safety, especially for the visually impaired. They believe that the technology needs to advance further to ensure rider safety. As someone who relies heavily on assistive technology, I understand the importance of ensuring that these vehicles are not just innovative but also safe and reliable.

But there's hope on the horizon. Companies like Cruise are actively working on developing wheelchair-accessible vehicles, like the Origin Mobility. This is a step in the right direction, ensuring that the future of transportation is inclusive.

As we stand on the cusp of this transportation revolution, it's crucial to ensure that the voices of the disability community are not just heard but actively included in the conversation. After all, for many of us, it's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about doing so with dignity, independence, and safety.

Let's continue this conversation. What are your thoughts on the rise of robotaxis and their potential impact on the disability community?

Do Robotaxis Benefit People With Disabilities? San Francisco Activists Are Splitng-with-disabilities/

Adaptable, Flexible, Unstoppable: Eddie Ndopu's Message of Hope and Strength

Time Magazine Person of the Week Cover with Eddie Ndopu

In our journey through life, I find myself reflecting on the dual narratives that society often imposes on those with disabilities. On one hand, there's the story of overcoming, of achieving not because of our challenges but in spite of them. On the other, there's the reality we live every day: it's not our disabilities that hinder us, but society's ableist attitudes and approaches.

Eddie Ndopu, a United Nations and disability advocate living with spinal muscular atrophy encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. As he rightly points out in a recent interview with TIME, "disability has been the greatest offering and gift of my life." It's a sentiment I resonate with deeply. Our challenges make us adaptable, flexible, and give us a unique lens through which we view the world.

However, the societal narrative often deviates from this perspective. We're told there's a "standard" way of doing things, and any deviation is seen as "special." Requests for reasonable accommodations or basic access rights are often met with resistance, with claims of high costs or the unfairness of providing for one and not for all. This mindset fails to distinguish between equity and equality. While equality ensures everyone gets the same resources, equity ensures everyone gets the resources they need to succeed. And for those facing challenges, this often means working twice as hard for half the recognition.

The truth is, as Eddie Ndopu highlights, "the more barriers that I have been able to break down, the more barriers have awaited me on the other side." This resonates deeply with me. Despite our accomplishments, we're still faced with systemic inequalities and prejudices. We're often seen as "less than" or "incapable" due to our challenges. But as Eddie and countless others have shown, our challenges can be our greatest strengths.

In many ways, living with disabilities is like playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. As soon as one challenge is overcome, another pops up. But it's essential to keep the conversation going. The more we talk about our experiences, advocate for our rights, and normalize these discussions in all spheres of life, the closer we get to a world where challenges, accommodations, and access are seen as standard, not special.

As we continue to advocate, let's remember that our challenges don't define us – they refine us. They make us stronger, more resilient, and more empathetic. And as we push for a more inclusive world, let's celebrate not just our achievements but the unique perspectives and strengths that come with our experiences.

Eddie Ndopu on How Disability Helped Him Rethink Excellence

Challenging Misconceptions: The Power of Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

With her guide dog Paul at her side, Maya Larson signs with her boss Darlene Zangara, executive director of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing in St. Paul, Minn. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune/TNS)

Today I'm reflecting heavily on the importance of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. These are not preferences or luxuries, but necessities that level the playing field for disabled employees like myself. They are equalizers, not special treatments, and they are as diverse as the individuals who require them.

The process of disclosing a disability and requesting accommodations is fraught with challenges. It's not a step taken lightly. By the time an employee discloses a disability, they've likely exhausted all other options to adapt their work environment independently. As a wheelchair user living with Cerebral Palsy, a service dog handler to Canine Companions® Pico, and someone living with a visual impairment and chronic pain, I can attest to the discomfort and apprehension that comes with this disclosure.

The latest report from the Disability:IN and the Disability Equality Index for 2023 found that only 4-6% of employees openly disclose disability in the workplace, despite 97% of employers encouraging them to do so. This discrepancy could be due to misconceptions about disability and job performance, perceived barriers to upward mobility, or a general misunderstanding about disability overall by the employer.

As highlighted in a recent article on Disability Scoop, Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Duffy put it beautifully. "Duffy said employers can adjust to accommodate different ways of learning and absorbing information. That could include scheduling flexibility and making sure meetings aren’t the only way to deliver updates and announcements to staffers." This is a prime example of how simple accommodations can make a significant difference in an employee's ability to perform their job effectively.

However, the process of requesting and receiving accommodations can often feel adversarial, leaving employees feeling beaten down and less likely to seek further accommodations in the future. This is counterproductive, as it ultimately hampers job performance.

The future of work for disabled employees is promising, with industries expected to grow over the next decade, as highlighted in a recent Forbes article by Diane Winiarski. But this growth must be accompanied by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Employers must reassess their reasonable accommodation processes and strive for a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Reasonable accommodations are not an attempt to "gamify" the system. They are a necessity for disabled employees to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Let's continue to challenge misconceptions, promote understanding, and advocate for a more inclusive workplace.

With More Neurodivergent Workers, Employers Add Support

Motorized Wheelchair User Sets Unofficial Speed Record in Grocery Store

Blurred picture of a wheelchair user in a grocery store.

I'm thrilled to share that my recent story has been published on The Squeaky Wheel, a satirical platform that offers a unique perspective on disability news. This time, we're diving into an amusing incident inspired by real-world experiences that unfolded in a small town grocery store.

Imagine this: you're in your motorized wheelchair, zipping down the cereal aisle of your local grocery store. You're focused, you're efficient, and you're fast. So fast, in fact, that you've unofficially set a speed record, causing a literal Kellogg Company frosted flake flurry in your wake. But not everyone is amused. A retired schoolteacher, known for his acute observations, is caught off guard. He challenges you, asking if you have a license for your wheelchair. You can't help but chuckle at the absurdity. After all, last you checked, shopping for General Mills Cheerios wasn’t a licensable activity.

Believe it or not, wheelchair users hear such commentary daily.

This story, and all of The Squeaky Wheel, serves as a reminder that disability can be, and is, funny. It's a part of our everyday lives, and humor helps us navigate the world. So, let's continue to share, laugh, and enjoy these stories, even when the national spotlight on Disability Pride Month has faded. The work continues, and so does the laughter.

Special thanks to Steven Verdile for launching this much-needed outlet for disability humor to share the lighter side of disability.

Motorized Wheelchair User Sets Unofficial Speed Record in Grocery Store

Barbie Movie: A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity for Disability Representation?

Ryan, Rachael, and Pico pose in front of the poster for Barbie Movie.

This past weekend, my girlfriend and I joined the throngs of Mattel, Inc. Barbie enthusiasts to watch the much-anticipated Barbie movie. As a disability advocate and a fan who may have unapologetically bought "KENough" merch, I was particularly interested in the representation of Wheelchair Barbie, a character that has been a beacon of hope for many young individuals who use wheelchairs.

The movie was entertaining, and the diversity representation was commendable. However, I couldn't help but notice that Wheelchair Barbie, despite her presence in the opening dance scenes, had no dialogue throughout the movie. This was a stark reminder of the reality that, as Madison Lawson writes in her Teen Vogue op-ed, "People with disabilities are rarely featured as the ideal beauty standard, and are often used as objects of inspiration to make non-disabled people feel better about themselves."

The lack of dialogue for Wheelchair Barbie speaks volumes about the broader perception of disability in our culture. It's as if our voices are not deemed important enough to be heard, even in a movie that prides itself on diversity and inclusion.

The struggles faced by Senator Tammy Duckworth, a disability advocate and wheelchair user, further underscore the challenges we face. As reported by POLITICO, Senator Duckworth was unable to watch the Barbie movie due to a broken elevator at the theater. This incident highlights the persistent accessibility issues that prevent full participation in society for individuals with disabilities.

On a more positive note, a resurfaced video of Margot Robbie, the star of the Barbie movie, communicating with a deaf fan at the movie premiere in Amsterdam, has been making rounds on the internet. While many outlets have praised Robbie's actions, I believe that such acts of inclusion should be normalized rather than sensationalized. Inclusion is not a favor or an act of charity; it is a basic human right.

As we wind down Disability Pride Month, let's remember that representation matters, but it's not enough. We need to ensure that our voices are heard, our experiences are acknowledged, and our rights are respected. Let's strive for a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

The Barbie movie, with its appeal and lessons, transcends the gender spectrum. It's a reminder that stories of inclusion and diversity are not just for girls or boys, but for everyone.

Wheelchair Barbie Is a Lesson in the Power of Showing Up Where People Don't Think You Belong

The Unseen Battle: Chronic Pain and the Performance of Wellness

Ryan and Rachael smile in front of a Matchbox 20 Concert Poster at Jiffy Lube Live on July 27, 2023

Last night, I attended a Matchbox 20 concert at Jiffy Lube Live, an event that had been on my calendar since before the pandemic. The anticipation was high, but so was my pain. A sudden flare of chronic pain, the severity of which I hadn’t experienced in months, hit me just hours before the show. The unpredictability of disability and chronic pain is a constant reminder that it's always with us, even during our most anticipated moments.

As Brijana Prooker beautifully articulated in her POPSUGAR essay, living with an invisible illness often involves a performance of wellness. We mask our pain with smiles, energetic demeanors, and a relentless positivity that hides our suffering. We do this to make others comfortable, to fit into societal expectations of health and normalcy. But at what cost?

For years, I too performed wellness. I hid my pain behind an energetic bubbly persona, concealing my struggle from the world. But as Brijana points out, this performance can lead to further harm. "While I may have succeeded in looking healthy, it had only made me sicker," she writes. The energy we expend to appear "well" can exacerbate our conditions, leading to more pain, more fatigue, and a deeper sense of isolation.

The pressure to appear healthy extends to our social interactions. We extend visits beyond our limits, pushing through the pain to avoid disappointing others. We hide our needs, our pain, and our limitations, often at great personal cost. As Brijana explains, a casual hangout can cost us "days, possibly weeks in bed — and so many spoons, we'd have to wait until next month for them to replenish."

But it's time to break free from this cycle. It's time to prioritize our health over societal expectations and other people's comfort. It's time to make our invisible disabilities visible, to share our experiences openly and honestly. It's time to stop performing wellness and start living our truth.

As we near the end of Disability Pride Month, let's remember that our worth isn't determined by our appearance or wellness. Our worth lies in our resilience, our strength, and our ability to navigate a world that often overlooks us. Our worth lies in our authenticity, in our courage to share our stories, and in our determination to advocate for a more inclusive and understanding world.

I Spent Years Trying to Hide My Chronic Illness For Others' Comfort. No More.

Celebrating Universal Design and Inclusion at GitLab

Ryan Honick Presents to the GitLab team on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation that has transformed the lives of millions of Americans. Today, I had the distinct honor of speaking at GitLab on this significant day. Our discussion revolved around the benefits of universal design and remote work in fostering more inclusive and welcoming environments for employees of all abilities.

The conversation was vibrant, engaging, and insightful. I am profoundly grateful to the team at GitLab for inviting me to speak on such crucial topics during Disability Pride Month, and particularly on the anniversary of the ADA. It is through such dialogues that we continue the legacy and vital work of the ADA, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

The passion of the GitLab team was palpable. They are committed to creating an environment where all employees can thrive and succeed. They understand that true inclusion happens when conversations about diversity and disability become the norm, not the exception. When we bring these discussions out of the shadows, we dismantle the stigma and shame often associated with disability. We create a space where people feel empowered to share their stories and experiences, enriching us all.

Normalizing these conversations is a step towards a more inclusive society. It allows us to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives we each bring to the table, and understand how disability can impact us in ways we may not realize.

I am deeply thankful to GitLab for this opportunity. Their leadership's passion for these discussions is evident, and it's a reminder that change truly starts from the top. I hope that these conversations continue not just during Disability Pride Month, but throughout the year. They are daily discussions that need to happen. They are crucial to our success as individuals, as a society, and as a workforce.

I want to express my gratitude to GitLab for today's opportunity to discuss these important topics. Let's continue to bring these conversations to the forefront, not just today, but every day of the year.

The ADA and Beyond: The Ongoing Fight for Workplace Inclusion

A wheelchair user seen from behind moves through her workplace.

Today, it's time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of disabled individuals in the workplace. As a disability advocate, I've seen firsthand the barriers that disabled individuals face in their professional lives. But I've also witnessed the resilience, creativity, and determination that they bring to the table.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a significant milestone, but 33 years later, we're still grappling with the complexities of 'reasonable accommodations' and the stigma associated with disclosing a disability. As my friend Emily Ladau recently told CNBC, "Even though workplaces can focus on creating a culture of inclusion, there's that internal barrier that people still struggle with, because the world is telling them that disability is shameful, that disability is wrong, that their existence is somehow a mistake."

This narrative is not only harmful but also fundamentally untrue. Disability is not a mistake or a weakness; it's a part of our identity that shapes our experiences and perspectives. It's time to shift this narrative and embrace disability as a strength.

Research shows that when employees with disabilities are given the opportunity to educate and connect with their co-workers, the number of people who disclose a disability and request accommodations increases. This is a testament to the power of open dialogue and the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure.

Companies like PSEG have taken steps in the right direction by launching initiatives to encourage people with disabilities to bring their full selves to work. After their awareness campaign, the percentage of people who identified as disabled in their workplace tripled. This is a clear indication that when we create an environment of understanding and empathy, people feel more comfortable disclosing their disabilities.

As we move forward, let's remember Ladau's words: "When we shift that narrative and we begin to say, 'You can identify as having a disability. That is something that you can be proud of. That makes you who you are,' the number of people who identify in the workplace as disabled is going to grow."

Let's continue to challenge the status quo, advocate for reasonable accommodations, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that disabled individuals bring to the workplace.

Ableism: The Unseen Challenge in the Life of Disabled Individuals

Wheelchair user in front of staircase barrier

Today I want to talk about ableism, a societal bias that favors able-bodied individuals and often results in discrimination against disabled people.

Ableism is pervasive and often subtle, making it a difficult challenge to overcome. As Andrew Pulrang writes in Forbes, "Most disabled people...know that they can run into ableism any day, any time, in any situation." This includes "awkward or insulting encounters" that can ruin an otherwise accessible event or outing.

From my personal experience, I can attest to the truth of Pulrang's words. As a wheelchair user with a visual impairment and an awesome service dog, (thanks, Canine Companions® Pico!), I've faced my share of ableist comments and attitudes. These experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a broader societal issue that needs addressing.

In academia, where I first learned to advocate for myself, I encountered resistance to providing accommodations that would level the playing field. The argument was that these accommodations provided an "unfair advantage." But this perspective is rooted in ableism, failing to recognize that these accommodations merely provide equal access to education.

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act guarantees the right to free public education and appropriate special education services. Yet, despite these protections, disabled students often have to fight for their rights to be upheld.

The fight against ableism extends beyond the classroom into every aspect of daily life. From navigating physical spaces to dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, people with disabilities must constantly strategize and plan for obstacles that others may not even consider.

This Disability Pride Month, let's commit to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. Let's challenge ableist attitudes and work toward creating environments where people of all abilities can thrive without having to fight for their rights continually.

Remember, disability rights are human rights. Let's end ableism, promote inclusion, and celebrate diversity. Together, we can create a world that truly values and respects all of its citizens.

#DisabilityPrideMonth #AccessibilityIsARight #EndAbleism #PromoteInclusion #CelebrateDiversity