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

Florida SAND Fellowship Year One: A Review of How My Advocacy Has Benefited From My Fellowship

Hello again everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed yesterday’s blog on adaptive cooking and cookware. As my fellowship is coming to the end of the contract for my first year tomorrow, I felt it would be appropriate to give a nod to not only Florida SAND but my colleagues and the staff who trained us throughout this past year to thank them for helping my passion for advocacy grow. 

I came into this fellowship at a weird time in my life. Before the fellowship, I had worked for Florida SAND as a per diem writer for their blog FSA Central. While this work kept the flame for disability advocacy alive and on life support, when I was presented with the opportunity to be a fellow, I immediately jumped at it. Thank you to Kelli Munn for the opportunity.  I would not be where I am today without your faith in me. However, my fellowship wasn’t as smooth of a journey as I had hoped. 

About a month into the fellowship, I began to take it for granted. I had an ego bigger than the state of Florida and I thought that I knew everything there was to know about self-advocacy; boy was I wrong! I quickly learned that there was more to this fellowship than just writing articles about people with disabilities. Thanks to the fellowship I would develop event planning skills and meet my best friend, although I did not know it at the time.  We spent the first few months of the fellowship planning a conference where we would teach a concept that I have spoken about before on this blog, “The Route To Self Determination”. At the time I did not realize how this conference would change my life forever. Along with my colleagues, Laura Lee-Minutello and Samantha Lebron we had to give a full-day presentation on the concepts of Route. It was both an eye-opening experience as well as a learning opportunity and as I’ve said before, it was where I dared to hit Samantha with the following cheesy line that would change my life forever.  

Hey, “would you be my scribe for the weekend?”. I don’t know why the hell she said yes but she did. I will not go into further detail about how we have built a relationship in this blog as it is not relevant to my main point. After that weekend I started to see that my passion for disability advocacy was not as strong as others were. Over the next six or seven months it would decline and eventually, in an unforeseen way, it would reach an all-time low. The fellowship quickly became something I took for granted. 

I was given so many opportunities to better the lives of other self-advocates but unfortunately, I did not take advantage of them. Granted, I spent some time dealing with health issues but I did not use my hospital stay to re-energize, instead, I would use it in a negative way and sadly become complacent. However, that all changed a few weeks ago. 

About four months ago we started planning this year’s conference where we would give a condensed version of the presentation we had given the year before. I tried to use this to remotivate myself but it wasn’t until I attended the conference and heard its keynote speaker Matthew Walzer that my attitude changed in a positive direction. Without retelling Matthew’s story, as I have mentioned in previous blogs, I will say that his speech changed my life and my overall outlook on not only my fellowship but my life in general. 

I now understand how things happen for a reason but at the same time, we cannot use negative events in our lives as excuses or crutches to explain away our laziness or lack of effort. Thanks to the fellowship and the speech I heard at the second conference, it became a part of my advocacy work and my enthusiasm has intensified one thousand percent. I now post on The Voiceless Minority anywhere from four to five times a week. This is significant because excluding the first two years in which I started the blog, I only posted on it sporadically. 

As a final thought, just because you start to feel overwhelmed or negative about a particular job or situation you are in, remember that you are the only one who can change the way you feel. Recently I wrote a blog on how attitude is altitude, and it is this principle that is most appropriate to end this blog. In other words, just because there was a period in time where I had negative feelings toward the program, this does not mean that I could not have chosen to deal with them positively.  Negativity is only a feeling; it is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Instead of letting the quality of my work show how I was feeling at the time, I believe God was testing me and unfortunately, I did not pass his test. But you learn from your mistakes and learned I have. 

Whatever you are facing, there is always a way to put a positive spin on it so that you come out of a situation better than before you encountered it. This writer’s humble opinion. Until tomorrow, stay strong. 

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. 

Florida SAND 2023 REUNITED CONFERENCE RE-ENERGIZES My passion and PROVIDES much needed SPARK For Advocacy

They say things happen for a reason. They also say for those of us who are religious that God has a way of providing exactly what you need when you need it, even if you don’t know you need it. I am living proof that this statement is true. In the following piece, you will learn that one event, no matter how small or big, has the power to change you if you allow God to implement his plan in your life.

For those of my readers who don't know, I am beginning the second year of my fellowship with an organization known as Florida Self-Advocates Network’D (FLORIDA SAND). They are a nonprofit, organization made up of 15 self-advocacy groups throughout the state. The organization aims to amplify the voices of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) on a local, state, and federal level.  According to their website, their mission is… 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, legislative platforms, networking with local businesses 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. 

As a part of my fellowship, I am contractually obligated to plan conferences. As well as self-advocacy training, I am also required to develop an educational curriculum that focuses on self-advocacy. About six months into my fellowship, I started to develop negative feelings toward the whole program. I started treating it like a job that I could not wait to leave, instead of a job I was passionate about. I began to get lazy, purposely waiting until the last minute to complete assignments, however, that all changed after a conversation with one of my best friends who happens to be my sister. 

One night a couple of weeks ago I called my sister intending to just talk about her upcoming baby shower. Yes, I will be an uncle on or before October 12th and I am so excited to get to spend time with my first niece and show her that dinosaurs still exist, lol. Now back to what I was saying. My mom planned a baby shower for my sister during the weekend of August 18th through the 20th. She said she was extremely excited however, soon the conversation turned to me because during the same weekend that she was to have her baby shower, I was to attend the Florida SAND Reunited Conference. As a part of my fellowship, I had to speak at the conference with my colleagues. We were required to give a presentation on what is known as Route to Self-Determination. In short, the presentation centered around the concept of being in control of your life regardless of whether you have a disability or not. When my sister asked me if I was excited to give the presentation and have our dad see me at work, I responded with something like I feel like a fraud… I can’t wait for it to be over. Before she responded to my comment, I was in my head and I believed that I was not living the concept I was supposed to teach. She explained to me that although I am not living the concept 100 percent right now, I am missing the point. Self-determination is about having the ability to live with a disability and also to live the life you want with the proper supports. I was not seeing it this way and instead harping on the part of the concept regarding living life the way you want. I was leaving out a crucial part of the concept ie; the first principle of self-determination having the supports you need and making sure they are the way you want them to be. 

As a result of this reality check, I went into the conference with a positive attitude and I believe this is why God put me at that conference, he knew I was looking for direction in my life and he also knew that I already had it, I just wasn’t paying attention to the signs. Long-time readers of this blog will remember that I have another blog entitled “The Modern Day Moderate”. I have also mentioned that I was a founding member of an organization known as “Access The Vote” which was started by Disability Rights Florida.  Sadly, because of my negative attitude as of late, I stepped away from the organization, however, God figuratively smacked me in the face, and told me I needed to get back involved with the organization when he orchestrated a conversation between me and my friend Laura-Lee Minutello who works at Disability Rights Florida as a part of Access The Vote. She presented me with an opportunity to rejoin the organization and I could not pass it up. I will be attending their upcoming voting summit on Wednesday, September 13th.

Along with the conversation with Laura, the presentation I gave was extremely well received. I am so proud of my fellow fellows for all the hard work and preparation we put into this conference. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of the team. Even though we experienced ups and downs along the way I think we were exactly the right group of people to give said presentation. I have learned a lot from every one of you. As an added plus I got to spend the weekend and work with my awesome girlfriend Sam. I could not have asked for a better weekend. I also would like to thank Rick Patterson for his tremendous hard work and understanding while not only taking care of me but my dad as well. Thanks, dude, even though we butt heads occasionally I know you are a true friend. 

As a final thought, I want to thank our keynote speaker Matthew Walzer, your speech was inspiring. Don’t worry, I am not going to step on your proverbial shoes and join the athletic wear game. But you have inspired me to write to companies and see if they can create an accessible dress shoe and suit. Thank you for the inspiration.

Okay so I lied, I wasn’t done. The conference inspired me to do what my dad told me I should do when I was in eighth grade. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m good at several things including trivia, comedy, and sarcasm, however, I am as some people say an expert at arguing. I have decided to combine this with my advocacy work and pursue my law degree. I plan on focusing on public policy and civil rights.  After obtaining my degree I will continue to fight for the rights of people with disabilities and underserved minorities so that we can move one step closer to an equal society for all.

Seriously, I’m done this time. Thanks for reading. Sorry for being so long-winded but as the title says, I am newly inspired and felt I had to let everyone know how awesome the 2023 Florida Sand “Reunited Conference” was. 

Until next time…

Jay

Thirty Years Gone but Not Forgotten; A Letter to My Pop-Pop, My First Best Friend

This Christmas will mark thirty years since the passing of my mom’s dad, or the person I like to call my Pop-Pop. To be quite honest I've been lost in my thoughts for a few days now.

Late last year I was presented with the opportunity to become a Florida SAND Fellow. The Florida SAND fellowship has allowed me not only to continue my writing which I have been neglecting for the last couple of years but equally as important, it has allowed me to strengthen my advocacy skills. There have been ups and downs throughout my fellowship but as they say, things happen when they are supposed to. As a result of my fellowship, I finally found the best friend I have been searching for my entire life. Nearly ten months ago on a dare from my caregiver, I approached my now girlfriend Samantha Lebron and started a conversation. I did not know it at the time, but God put me right where I needed to be. 

For the longest time, I held a belief that I could never date someone in a wheelchair because of the childish assumption that our physical limitations would get in the way. Boy was I wrong! I now have not only found someone who I can bounce ideas off of, but my little blue-haired alien is just as quirky and nerdy as me. I never thought my dreams of traveling the world, starting a family, or exploring what it means to have a disability on a deep level would be shared by anyone. Recently during a conversation with my dad, my feelings were affirmed when he said something to the effect that he and my mom have seen a great deal of maturity and growth in me since I started dating Samantha. He also shared that Samantha was God’s answer to his prayers. Before Samantha, he was unsure if I would ever find a true best friend not simply because of my disability but more so because of my lack of self-confidence and maturity. As much as I argue and fight with your dad, you couldn’t be more right, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you for your kind words and vote of confidence; it means the world to me. 

The concerns that my dad brought up in our conversation about my newfound maturity have bothered me for the longest time. I too never thought I would experience some of the things I have. Along with this thought, I have also often questioned whether or not I am a person that my grandfather would be proud of. I looked up to him like no one else. He was my first hero. He never saw my disability as something that made me different. He always treated me as if I was his best friend. I feel that on some level I have let him down. I have not always been the person that I am today. I can say that until recently I did not like who I was. I was one of the most negative people I knew, on the inside anyway. I have always been good at putting on a brave face and happy demeanor for my friends and family, but I have never been proud of who I am. All that changed quite suddenly. 

As I was going for a roll the other day, it hit me for the first time that this year is the 30th anniversary of my grandfather’s death. As I started to cry and feel sorry for myself, a negative thought crossed my mind. I felt as if evil forces in the universe were reinforcing the idea that I indeed was a disappointment to him. As if in response to my thoughts, it suddenly started to lightly rain. Immediately I stopped crying and a broad smile came across my face. I realized that the rain was my grandfather sending his love from heaven to reassure me that I am indeed on the right path and not a disappointment after all. 

Thank you, Pop-Pop, you have always been there when I needed you even if I didn’t know it. Although you are not here with me you will forever remain in my heart. I love and miss you every day. 

Jay

Remembering Judy Heumann: How Her Life and Legacy Transformed the Disability Community into What It Is Today.

Disability pioneer Judy Heumann passed away this past weekend. Since my blog focuses on disability related issues I would be doing you my readers a great disservice if I did not write a piece on the late Judy Heumann, without whom this blog may not even exist. 

Judith ”Judy” Heumann was born on December 18th 1947 in Philadelphia and raised in Brooklyn. She contracted Polio at the age of two. Fortunately for her, her parents did not subscribe to the popular theory on people with disabilities at the time. When the doctors suggested she be institutionalized because there was “no way she will ever walk” her parents chose not to listen. 

Miss Heumann began her advocacy work in the 70’s when she fought the New York board of education over the right to teach in a classroom. She would eventually win the battle and become the first teacher with a disability in New York. Her advocacy efforts would soon reach far beyond New York. 

In 1975 Ed Roberts asked Judy to move to California and join in the Center for Independent Living Movement. Miss Heumann and Mr. Roberts would eventually transform what they had built in California into a national movement. Although there is no denying that Judy Heumann’s influence on the Center for Independent Living Movement is tremendous, she would go on to make an even more significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities. She would eventually go on to help shape the land mark legislation that would become The Americans with Disabilities Act. (1990) This law is the basis for the rights and freedoms that people with disabilities have today. 

As a result of her work on the ADA she would go on to serve in the Clinton administration from 1993 to 2001. She served as the assistant advisor in the office of Special Education and Rehabilitation, from there she would go on to play a role in the international disability rights movement and she would continue advocating until her untimely death. 

Although Judy Heumann’s accomplishments are great and would look awesome on anyone’s resume her legacy stretches far beyond just those accomplishments. She has had a great impact on me personally. It is because I learned about Judy’s advocacy efforts from an early age that I am the person I am today. Like Judy’s family, my parents never let me use my disability as a crutch or an excuse. When I was growing up, I had chores to do and they expected me to contribute like everyone else. I also can relate to Miss Heumann’s story because I too had dreams of being a teacher, but unlike Miss Heumann I let society’s perception of what people with disabilities are capable of influence my decision to stop my journey to become a teacher. However, they say things happen for a reason. Although I am not your typical “teacher” through my advocacy work I have found that there is more than one way to teach and not all teaching is done in a classroom. Life has a way of randomly presenting us with teachable moments. 

In closing, Judy Heumann will always be remembered for being a staunch disability advocate and she will always be known as the “mother of the disability rights movement.” As advocates, we have a responsibility to carry on the work of those who came before us. The fight for disability rights is not just about people with disabilities but it is also about the need for greater change within society for all. 

Until next time, 

Jay