Utah
Disabled Rights Action Committee celebrates ADA anniversary, discusses accessibility in Utah
Estimated learn time: 3-4 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — There’s a lot to have a good time within the month of July, together with the thirty second anniversary of the People with Disabilities Act.
A lot has modified for the reason that act was signed on July 26, 1990, however one Utah group believes there’s extra their neighborhood can do to extend accessibility.
Gardening has lengthy been a passion for Donna McCormick, however this 12 months, McCormick’s backyard is empty.
“I miss the times of pulling weeds,” McCormick stated.
One thing that will look like an on a regular basis chore to others was McCormick’s time to herself. “There’s nothing extra rewarding than pulling weeds — you’re taking out all of the frustration out on all these little weeds,” McCormick laughed.
Her love of gardening hasn’t modified through the years, however how McCormick gardens has.
In 1995, McCormick was recognized with a number of sclerosis — she was 34 years outdated on the time.
On a regular basis issues in life, the chores, getting round — all of that has slowly diminished through the years — but, McCormick continues rising the issues that matter most in her life.
“I strive to not dwell on the adverse as a result of if I do this, that’ll trigger my MS to flare up,” McCormick stated. As an alternative, she has turned her focus to serving to others.
As chair of the Incapacity Rights Motion Committee, McCormick works to make Utah extra accessible.
“I assure you at one cut-off date in your life, you’ll encounter a incapacity or change into disabled your self,” McCormick stated. “That is why we have to preserve the correct legal guidelines, and there are ones that have to be modified.”
Medicare, for instance, solely permits McCormick to get a brand new energy chair each 5 years, even when it breaks, which McCormick’s has. She makes use of a loaned chair whereas she waits.
“I am a 12 months out from getting a brand new chair,” McCormick defined. “This chair is OK, nevertheless it’s not the appropriate match.”
That is only one instance of issues McCormick needs might change, and the opposite is entry to transportation.
Getting round city for her entails trying to find accessible cabs, Ubers and Utah Transportation Authority rides in the event that they’re out there.
“I used to be imagined to go to my podiatrist this week, and I could not get by. It was simply busy, so I had modified my appointment once more,” McCormick stated.
Adam Guyman has skilled one thing related. Getting round city has all the time been totally different for Guyman, who was born legally blind.
“I can see the mountains, for instance, however but I could not have the ability to see one thing on the mountains,” Guyman explains his incapacity.
Guyman has used a cane to forestall himself from operating into issues, however in 2001, he was in an accident and now makes use of a wheelchair.
“And ever since that, there’s numerous issues I’ve seen about totally different accessibility points,” Guyman stated. “There’s numerous instances that it is arduous to see numerous issues like cracks within the sidewalks, or seeing issues like curb cuts, or curbs that do not have curb cuts.”
Even crossing the road, Guyman cannot see the stroll indicators and a few haven’t any sound to let him know it is protected to cross.
Guyman is a board member on the Incapacity Rights Motion Committee, serving to others see areas for higher accessibility.
“I take pleasure in the truth that I struggle for incapacity rights,” he stated.
Guyman’s expertise has proven him the world just isn’t constructed for these within the disabled neighborhood.
“There is a saying that I consider: Comfort does not equal accessibility, accessibility equals comfort,” Guyman expressed.
Each McCormick and Guyman hope to boost consciousness and develop understanding inside their neighborhood.
“A incapacity is a capability. We simply do it otherwise,” McCormick stated.
They’re internet hosting a neighborhood celebration for Incapacity Pleasure Month on Saturday at Salt Lake Metropolis Library Sq. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They will present a number of meals vans and a present with performers throughout the disabled neighborhood.
McCormick stated they need assistance. You possibly can attain out to 801-685-8214 or contact@disabledrightsutah.org to volunteer.