Breaking Down Barriers: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and Its Significance to the Disability Community

Hello again, yes it’s me your friendly neighborhood super advocate. A warm welcome to all of my new readers who are checking out the blog for the first time. I want to welcome you to a friendly, engaging, informative, and sometimes funny look at anything and everything that has to do with disabilities and the disability community. To all my returning readers, welcome back. No matter which group you fall into, you’ve stumbled upon the Voiceless Minority on a very special day. Yes, it has finally happened after a decade of writing this blog - today marks the 100th post for the Voiceless Minority. I could not have done it without you. I started this blog as an outlet for my anger and the hurt I was feeling after being denied the opportunity to follow what I truly believed at the time was my passion. When I started this blog, I thought I wanted to be a high school history teacher and teach theater after school. I apparently didn’t know myself as well as I thought. They say that “things happen for a reason” or as I like to call it listening to God and actually paying attention to what He is saying by applying it to your life.

Since this post celebrates an important milestone in my advocacy, I felt that it would be fitting to write a post about a specific movement within disability history that recently celebrated its own 55th anniversary. Now that we’ve celebrated the success of The Voiceless Minority, it is time to get back to what this blog is all about, disability advocacy and the disability community as a whole. On August 12th we celebrated the Architectural Barriers Act and its impact on the disability community.  Even though it was passed 55 years ago it still has a great amount of impact on the lives of people with disabilities today. I hope you enjoy the rest of the blog. 

In 1968, amidst the civil rights movement and a wave of legislative changes, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) into law. This groundbreaking legislation was a pivotal moment in the history of disability rights in the United States. The ABA aimed to eliminate physical barriers that hindered access for individuals with disabilities in federally funded buildings and facilities, setting the stage for more inclusive and accessible spaces. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 for the disability community and its lasting impact on the built environment.

Before the ABA, people with disabilities faced numerous challenges when trying to access public buildings, transportation, and facilities. Rampant architectural barriers such as stairs without ramps or elevators, narrow doorways, and inaccessible restrooms limited their mobility and independence. These barriers perpetuated discrimination and exclusion, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in public life.

Key Provisions of the ABA

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 addressed these issues head-on by requiring that all federally funded buildings and facilities be designed, constructed, and altered to be accessible To people with disabilities. Here are some of the key provisions that make the ABA an important piece of legislation:

1. Definition of Covered Buildings: The ABA applies to buildings and facilities designed, constructed, altered, or leased with federal funds. This includes a wide range of structures, from government offices and post offices to national parks and military bases.

2. Accessibility Standards: The ABA established specific accessibility standards and guidelines, ensuring that facilities would be designed to accommodate people with various types of disabilities. These standards laid the foundation for subsequent accessibility regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

3. Enforcement Mechanisms: The ABA empowered the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (often referred to as the "Access Board") to develop and maintain accessibility standards. Federal agencies were responsible for enforcing these standards and ensuring compliance in their projects.

Impact on the Disability Community

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 had a profound and lasting impact on the disability community for several reasons:

1. Increased Accessibility: The ABA led to the removal of many physical barriers in federally funded buildings, making them more accessible to people with disabilities. This change greatly improved the quality of life for individuals who previously faced significant limitations in their daily activities.

2. Trailblazing Legislation: The ABA set a precedent for disability rights legislation in the United States. It paved the way for subsequent laws like the ADA, which extended accessibility requirements to the private sector, further enhancing the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities.

3. Promotion of Inclusivity: By requiring accessible design in federally funded facilities, the ABA promoted a culture of inclusivity and equality. It sent a powerful message that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, have the right to access and participate in public life.

4. Advocacy and Awareness: The ABA spurred advocacy efforts within the disability community and raised awareness about the importance of accessible design. This activism contributed to the passage of subsequent legislation and the ongoing work to ensure equal access for all.

The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 stands as a crucial milestone in the history of disability rights and accessibility in the United States. By addressing the physical barriers that hindered access to federally funded buildings and facilities, this legislation laid the foundation for a more inclusive society. It empowered the disability community, promoted equal rights, and set the stage for further advancements in accessibility. As we reflect on the legacy of the ABA, it is clear that its importance to the disability community cannot be overstated, and its impact continues to be felt today as we strive for a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

If you enjoyed this blog, please leave a comment either on this post or on our social media. Even if you don’t accept or agree with all the information presented above, we hope you keep coming back to continue to learn about the disability community. 

Till tomorrow, 

Jay

Lego Strives To Make Play Accessible for All: Braille Legos Soon To Be Available In The U.S

Mostly everyone, regardless of their age, is familiar with Legos. Some were obsessed with them as a child, owning every kit and every expansion set; however, some may be unfamiliar with what exactly a Lego is. According to their website, Legos are a series of interlocking plastic blocks that can be assembled to form buildings, characters, vehicles, and other objects.

 

The Lego company was founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1949. Since Lego’s founding, the company has always been at the forefront of the latest trends, whether it’s a hit movie, TV show, or, more recently, the concept of inclusion and universal design.

 Words

You may ask, what is universal design? According to the University of Washington, universal design is the process of creating products accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. Now that we understand the universal design (UD) concept, we can apply it to a new product that the Lego company unveiled in the U.S. on September 1^st of this year. The new innovative product is a Braille Lego Kit. Once it hits the market this Friday, it will bring the world of Legos and basic education to children with visual impairments.

 

The Braille Legos are not a new concept. They are just new to the U.S. market. The idea was first introduced in the U.K. in 2020. The idea behind the UK products was to make them available in educational settings only. The original kits came with 300 pieces with markings corresponding to each Braille alphabet letter. These blocks were originally designed for children between the ages of one and four. However, the researchers quickly saw the product's potential with other groups.

 

After three years of perfecting the product, the Lego Braille blocks will officially go on sale in the US tomorrow. They will retail for approximately $89. This time, the kits will include 226 pieces with the Braille markings on one side and the English equivalent of either a letter or number on the other side so that those who are assisting can easily use the product.

 

In closing, there is no doubt that the steps the Lego company has taken to include a segment of the disability community should be commended. However, although this blog focused on individuals who either have low vision or are blind, I make it my mission to research whether there are other adaptive toys for other segments of the disability community. If anyone reading this can point me in the right direction, I ask that you either leave a comment on this blog with your contact information or email me at jasonhahr@gmail.com. Let’s all use the fourth principle of self-determination, which is responsibility, and remember that we all should give back whenever we can.

 

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed it, along with the other recent posts on this blog. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for a more comprehensive explanation of self-determination.

 

Your friendly neighborhood super advocate

 

Jay

Finding Your Way Around The Kitchen: How Adaptive Utensils Make Cooking Accessible For All

Before I begin, I wanted to say thank you for your overwhelming support of my recent posts. I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s blog on how to have a healthy relationship. Now let’s take a detour and begin today’s post. 

The first thing I want to say is, Happy Taco Tuesday everyone! If you have not guessed this blog is going to be about food and how people with disabilities can be included in one of America’s favorite hobbies, the art of homemade cooking. I know everyone except the really brainy people, the ones who majored in math in college, and hated statistics but here comes one anyway.

According to a poll conducted on behalf of Hello Fresh nearly one-third of Americans still believe it is better to eat in than go out because the quality of food is better. In that same poll, it was reported that 69% of Americans cook on a regular basis, an estimated 10 meals per week. 

Some of you who are reading this may question the validity of this poll and may be wondering what exactly is Hello Fresh. According to their website, Hello Fresh is a meal-kit delivery service with four basic plans depending on your dietary and food preferences. 

If we consider the Hello Fresh poll to be accurate or close to it, then we can logically come to the conclusion that cooking is a highly enjoyable pastime in America. The question can be asked then, how do we make cooking accessible for all? 

Fear not, this blog will attempt to give you, the reader, tips and suggestions on how you can make any basic kitchen accessible for all. To begin, let’s look at why home appliances were created in the first place. I believe Appliance Journal puts it best, “Home appliances were designed to make our lives easier. The cool thing is appliances aren’t a one-size-fits-all all solution. Home appliances come in many different shapes and sizes, there’s something out there for everyone. Preparing meals from a wheelchair is possible with a wide selection of ADA-compliant appliances.” The article goes on to further explain that ADA-compliant kitchens are becoming more popular for three essential reasons. 

1. There has been a significant increase in multigenerational households.

2. People with disabilities are now aging in place rather than going to a facility or an institution. 

3. There has been an increase in the belief that society should be more inclusive for all.

An article written in 2021 by Hadriana Lowenkron reinforces the idea that universal design not only benefits people with disabilities but society as well. 

Let’s look more at the above-mentioned journal. The Appliance Journal has comprised a list of accessible kitchen items that I believe will benefit everyone. 

The first thing they discussed was the height of the kitchen counters. They pointed out that most kitchen counters are 36 inches. They then mentioned how a universally designed home or residence typically has 34 inch countertops. This is useful for somebody like myself because my wheelchair would be able to fit under the counter more easily. After talking about the height of counters the next logical discussion would be to talk about some accessible appliances.

Rather than just regurgitate what the article said about these appliances, I have linked an article here:

https://www.ajmadison.com/learn/appliances/buying-guide/the-best-wheelchair-accessible-kitchen-appliances/

Once you have made your kitchen accessible you can take the next step to make cooking accessible for all. Now we will focus on some adaptive cookware and utensils that may be useful in the actual cooking process. 

The cooking process is fun for most people and if you have a disability, it can be as well. In doing research for this blog, I not only learned about adaptive spoons and silverware as well as straws which I already know a little about, but I also learned about cool utensils such as self-opening kitchen shears ie, scissors for cutting food for when you are preparing it. There is a whole slew of utensils I found on the website below.

https://www.thewrightstuff.com/adapted-kitchen-aids.html. 

In closing, cooking is not only a way to stay healthy, but it can be very therapeutic and relaxing, and given the right equipment, people with disabilities can now cook just like, and dare I say it, sometimes even better than their able-bodied counterparts. 

Well, dinner is done so I am about to go enjoy some of my favorite food, as today is Taco Tuesday!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Super Advocate,

Jay

The Power of Disability Advocacy: Making a Difference and Driving Change

I know I have written a lot about disability advocacy I felt it was time for a refresher/ beginner's guide for those who are reading this blog for the first time and do not know much about disability advocacy. I recommend you read this blog first and then sample my other pieces. 

Disability advocacy is a formidable force that has the power to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and drive meaningful change in society. It serves as a catalyst for transforming attitudes, policies, and systems, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable world. In this blog post, we will explore the remarkable power of disability advocacy, highlighting how it makes a difference and drives change at individual, societal, and systemic levels.

Empowering Individuals and Amplifying Voices:

Disability advocacy provides individuals with disabilities a platform to be heard, acknowledged, and valued. It empowers them to advocate for their rights, express their needs and aspirations, and participate fully in society. By amplifying their voices, disability advocacy helps individuals gain confidence, build self-advocacy skills, and assert their rightful place in all aspects of life.

Shattering Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusion:

One of the key roles of disability advocacy is challenging misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding disabilities. Through awareness campaigns, education, and personal stories, disability advocates work tirelessly to dismantle biases, promoting a more accurate and inclusive understanding of disability. By highlighting the diverse abilities and talents of individuals with disabilities, advocacy efforts foster a culture of acceptance, respect, and celebration of differences.

Influencing Policy and Legislation:

Disability advocacy plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and legislation that protect the rights and improve the lives of people with disabilities. Advocates work closely with lawmakers, government bodies, and organizations to advocate for the removal of discriminatory practices, the implementation of accessibility standards, and the provision of necessary support services. By driving legislative change, disability advocacy ensures equal opportunities, access to healthcare, education, employment, and independent living for all individuals with disabilities.

Fostering Accessibility and Universal Design:

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of disability advocacy. Advocates work towards creating an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can fully participate. This involves advocating for accessible infrastructure, public spaces, transportation, information and communication technologies, and digital platforms. By promoting universal design principles, disability advocacy not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also creates a more inclusive society that benefits everyone.

Promoting Employment and Economic Independence:

Disability advocates strive to break down employment barriers and promote economic independence for individuals with disabilities. They work with employers to raise awareness about the value of inclusive hiring practices and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Through advocacy efforts, job opportunities are created, workplace accommodations are implemented, and discriminatory practices are challenged, fostering an environment of equal employment opportunities and economic empowerment.

The power of disability advocacy cannot be understated. It has the potential to transform lives, challenge societal norms, and drive change at all levels. By empowering individuals, shattering stereotypes, influencing policy, fostering accessibility, and promoting economic independence, disability advocacy paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. It is through collective efforts and the unwavering determination of disability advocates that we can build a world where every person, regardless of ability, is embraced, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive. Let us stand together and continue to harness the power of disability advocacy to make a difference and drive lasting change.

Till next time, Jay. 

Former FL-SAND President Eddie Hall Uses SARTAC Fellowship To Make The Outdoors More Accessible For Floridians With Disabilities

Recently Former FL SAND President Eddie Hall who is already a powerful advocate in Florida was given the opportunity to take his advocacy to a new level when he received a grant from the Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center or as it is commonly known SARTAC. This piece will highlight how when presented with the opportunity Eddie took full advantage of it not only to further pursue his own interest in recreation but at the same time, he has furthered his lifelong passion to make the outdoors accessible for all. 

I have known Eddie for several years now. We are both very involved in disability advocacy. Although I thought I knew Eddie I learned a great deal not only about his advocacy but on a deeper level I learned about what drives his passion for disability-related issues during an interview I conducted for a piece I was writing for Florida Self-Advocacy Central. At the beginning of the interview, Eddie explained why he became a disability advocate, to begin with. He was thrusted into the disability world when he became a paraplegic at the age of 8 after an automobile accident. While others may have let an accident like this derail their life completely, he would use it to become a lifelong champion for people with disabilities. Soon after his accident, Eddie would go on to be one of the first disabled students to graduate from the Polk County school district in Florida. His advocacy efforts were not just limited to the classroom. He would go on to get a job at Publix and become a vital member of a grassroots disability organization known as Florida Self-Advocates Network’D (FL-SAND). During his time in the organization, he would hold many positions. 

According to their website flsand.org “FL SAND is an independent 501(c)(3) organization formed to expand the self-advocacy movement in Florida. It works through the support of local grassroots efforts, and legislative platforms, networking with local business and civic communities, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for all. FL SAND provides a united voice on statewide issues and topics that are important to self-advocates and all persons with developmental disabilities throughout the state.” Currently, there are 17 local groups that make up the organization. Eddie is the current vice president of Polk County Self-Advocates Alliance. Along with the local group, he is the former president of FL-SAND which required him and the other self-advocates on the Board of Directors to oversee the daily operations of a 501(c)(3) organization. The skills he acquired during his presidency would allow him to take his advocacy efforts to even greater heights. 

Along with his passion for disability-related issues, Eddie has a love for the outdoors. He is an avid fisherman who loves being on the water. Recently he was presented with the opportunity to combine his passion for disability issues and the outdoors when he received a SARTAC grant. As a result of receiving the grant Eddie was able to use the funds along with a non-profit he created to purchase two wheelchairs specially designed for the outdoors. 

According to actiontrackchair.com, these chairs are designed to be the ultimate all-terrain wheelchair. There are currently nine models that potential customers can choose from. Any of these nine models can be customized with ““30+ sizes, 21 color choices, and 40+ accessories to customize to your lifestyle.” To date, Eddie has taken full advantage of the two track chairs that have been purchased. He has held a series of outdoor hunts and gatherings on the beach. Later this fall he plans on hosting more hunting-related activities. He has also been able to get some self-advocates in Polk county out on the water. He said he also plans to hold more boating trips as well. 

In closing, now that you have read this entire article I hope you the reader see Eddie the way I do, he is a clear example of the idea that disability is just a diagnosis, not a mindset one has to live by. 

SARTAC: https://www.selfadvocacyinfo.org

"Is it Accessible?": Bubba Raceway Park

 

I recently moved back to the south after many years away. Not much has changed; people are still quiet, welcoming, the BBQ is always right, and dirt track racing is still the thing to do on a Friday night. Or at least what all the brochures say.  I was never a fan of dirt tracking racing when I was a kid, but I decided to give it a go since I moved back. One of the "best dirt track racing in the south" is in Ocala, Florida, at Bubba Raceway Park. When I first heard the name, I was skeptical. But then, I did more research. It's a racetrack sponsored and owned by a radio show host known as "Bubba the Love Sponge" although the name may sound different, and his show may not be your typical morning show, the racetrack is what it is advertised to be. Every Friday night beginning in March until the winter months, it is a premier dirt track course and family event.

The first time I went, I enjoyed the action-packed show while sitting near the gate while getting covered in mud. I wasn't concerned with accessibility; I was more concerned with drinking beer and enjoying the show. And I must say, I accomplished that goal quickly. I have since decided to make Bubba Raceway Park a weekly to by weekly tradition, depending on funds. Although I had fun, this blog is not necessarily meant to detail all my exploits. It is about accessibility. That brings me to my second trip to Bubba Raceway Park.

On April 17, I attended Monster Jam at Bubba Raceway Park. While I was at Monster Jam to enjoy the show, I also was there to examine accessibility. The Monster Jam show was great; it was conducted in a team-by-team format, which provided for an evening of mud flying fun. The accessibility of the park and event, however, was not so great.

For anyone who read my last blog post, they will know that 2015 marks 25 years since the ADA. The Bubba Raceway Park did not get the memo. I am aware that this is an outdoor park, so some of their requirements may be less strict, but I must say I was appalled by the venue's lack of accessibility. The trouble started when I went to park my vehicle with my friend. Nowhere on the property is there semi-hard ground to let ramps down in. For anyone who doesn't know, wheelchairs tend to get stuck very quickly in soft ground. Eventually, I could get unstuck and make my way to the tiny paved area that consisted of the line to get in. Here I found another problem. The gate that they expected me to pass through was too narrow for my wheelchair. On this one, though, I will give them credit. They allowed me to enter the seating area differently.

Earlier, I said they allowed me to enter the seating area; I very loosely use it when I display seating area. Don't get me wrong; there were bleachers for everyone else, but no designated handicap seating area. I was in my spot from the week before, sitting by some broken benches on a hill, close to the gate, which I didn't mind.  I minded the lack of control, the venue, and event staff over the area. One other handicap gentleman and I were sitting at the bottom of these broken benches with about 30-50 other people.  No big deal, right? Wrong. What I failed to mention about these people was that they were kids under the ages of 10. For those of you doing the math at home, kids under the age of 10 with no seating area designated equals kids running wherever they want to—included in the front of people in wheelchairs who can't see.

I could handle the minor inconveniences, though; I let it slide and tried to enjoy the show. What I could not let slide was the restroom facility arrangement. I don't know if it's just me not going to a lot of racing events before, or me expecting too much or racetracks not expecting handicap people, but all I could say about the restroom was that it left much more to be desired than one would like to begin with. It was not accessible for wheelchairs to enter it. There was a 3-foot step from the ground to the restroom, go-go gadget wheelchair? Oh wait, I don't have one of the fancy ones. Second and most upsetting was there answer to the non-accessible bathroom when I told the staff that I needed to use the restroom and couldn't get into it, they said something to the effect of "Block it off and go in front of the restroom by the sink and use your urinal there." So wait, I'm supposed to block off the restroom and prevent a line of drunken ass men from going to the bathroom and try to pee all at the same time? That doesn't sound like a formula for success or accessibility.

 

While I am stubborn and probably keep going to Bubba Raceway Park, I do not recommend anyone in a wheelchair going without a companion who is willing to go above and beyond to make sure you both have a good time. To answer whether this venue is accessible, the answer is no, but hopefully, if I keep going and complain enough, it soon will be.

Way to go, Georgia!

  So usually, I don’t follow up blog after blog. My typical average is about two a week. I am willing to give you guys enough time to process the blog because I am not writing about the latest fashion trend or celebrity gossip but essential issues that matter. However, today I can’t help but note one. 

A friend of mine tagged me in a link on Facebook. Curiously, I clicked on the link, and it was a link to a news website. The article, which was published by the site RT.com, told a sad story. It was similar to the story I wrote about earlier in this blog concerning the little boy being excluded from a photo. This story, though, hit me close to home.

       I hold two degrees, one of which is in History. A lot of History can be seen in museums. Museums are one of the few public attractions that people can enjoy for little to no cost while also learning something in the process. The R.T. article told a heart-breaking story of a little girl being denied access to the museum.

 The Haas family of North Carolina was on vacation in Georgia and intended to visit the “Ships of the Sea” museum on a Sunday before they left. The father admitted in the article that he was aware that it might be difficult for his daughter to make the journey into the museum, but he was baffled by the reason she was denied access. What reason could have confused him so much? A museum employee said that the little girl in a wheelchair was not allowed in the museum because “the carpets would get too dirty.” No, don’t adjust your computer screen. You are reading that right. The little girl Lexi, who has a disability, which requires her to use a wheelchair, was denied access not because her wheelchair wouldn’t fit in the building, which would also be wrong—but because the carpets would get too dirty!

       I usually am not surprised by anything anymore, but this one makes me go, “WHAAAAA--?!” The museum later fired, to put it nicely, the “misguided employee. “ When I read this, I thought that they had handled the situation correctly, but when I read further down in the article, I came across another incident where a similar problem occurred at the same museum. With Lexi’s situation, there was a literal apology issued. Still, in the second situation where a boy with Muscular Dystrophy was denied access, the article made no mention of an apology. While these are only two incidents, these incidents highlight a point, which I have made before.

       The legislation does not change people. Even though the ADA is in place to safeguard the disabled community from these types of incidents, sadly, they still occur. More often than not. Several years ago, I went on a school trip to Boston, Massachusetts, around Halloween to use a personal example. The trip was designed to showcase the Witch history of Salem. On this tour, the professor from The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania was in charge of it was under the impression that all sites would be accessible for the few other disabled individuals that went on the tour and me. However, we found this not to be the case. Granted, I am aware that Salem is a historic town, so a lot of its buildings do not fall under the ADA because they are a grandfather. I still believe that accommodations could have been made for the other disabled person and me on the trip to view certain sites. Instead, we were given personal money to go to an alternative activity. I was appreciative of the gesture, but I felt it was a gesture that she should not have had to make. In the RT.com article, they noted that the Haas family was offered the option for Lexi to view the little tour on T.V. While this is an option, it takes away from experience and further separates people with disabilities.

       As I’ve said above, this incident and others like it make me wonder. Will society ever step out of the ’80s? If it is only persuaded to do so by words on paper, I fear the answer is no. My question is, what will it take to bring society fully into the 21^st century when it comes to equality? For not only disabled people but other groups as well. 

 

Footnote:
http://rt.com/usa/museum-rejects-disabled-girl-024/