Disability Pride Month

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, July 4, 2025)

Happy Disability Pride Month 2025!

July 26th, 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush after years of lobbying and fighting to get the disabled voice heard. Some of the key disability activists were Justin Dart Jr., Judith Heumann, Ed Roberts, Patrisha Wright, and Lex Frieden. Some of the key organizations that worked tirelessly as well were the National Council on Disability (NCD), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), and ADAPT (Americans Disabled for Public Transportation). While I am familiar with many of these names and groups, I want to spend some time this month to learn more about where our country has been so we can continue to move forward and not backward. So I can choose the next right step at the next right moment.

I had an incident happen last week that I was trying to push out of my memory at least to write this column but it was so profound and irritating, I feel I must share. I was frequenting a local retail shop in Duluth on a solo trip without any assistance on a beautiful sunny day. It was a quick stop during a list of many errands between my medical appointments. I was thankful for the best accessible spot that worked well with my van needs and left me with the best chance of not getting stranded outside of my van due to someone parking in the access aisle. The timing was perfect for someone to hold the exterior door open for me with a pleasant exchange of hellos and thank yous. I was able to open the business’ door with extra umph as it is a heavy one but do-able most days for me. I was greeted by a young man asking how he could help me and thanking me for stopping in. It was a great day of independence.

And then I hear, “I see you use your feet and are in a wheelchair. I thought the whole point of a chair is to get off your feet?” I sat in shock at the counter as I had no idea if this was sarcasm, a joke, or just blatant ignorance. The other two workers who were also minority folks got quiet and busy behind the counter while other customers seemed to scatter like roaches to the corners of the store. This older gentleman was seemingly the manager or worker of authority and was “helping” me with my inquiry. He continued to make comments to which I barely heard as I was formulating my response still. I remember hearing my voice saying, “Well disabilities come in all sorts of abilities and there are a variety of reasons for people to use wheelchairs.” The educator in me never dies and I tend to always hold out hope for people’s attitudes and perspectives to change. But this guy was a dog with a bone and he could not get over the fact that I, as a manual wheelchair user for thirty-seven years, leg propelling, independent female came into “his” store. I finished my business and did some window shopping where I composed myself before I independently showed myself out.

I am flabbergasted at what we think is ok to say out loud to each other. Our words matter. Our words can bring life and death. Our words show our hearts, experiences, and limited perspectives far more than they tell about who they are hurled at. To say I am concerned for our world is an understatement.

I have been relatively quiet about the federal changes that are constantly threatening to negatively impact the lives of disabled Americans. Because just like those man’s words, they are showing the heart of our leaders and the lack of understanding and exposure to the largest, most diverse minority group in the world! I have been quiet because the world is loud and chaotic. I have been quiet because I am still in shock that almost 35 years after the largest unfunded mandate the American government has put in place to provide dignity, equity, education, and hope is now on shaky ground.

Do not mistake my and others' quietness for meekness, or uncertainty, or apathy, or being uneducated. We are watching, waiting, understanding, and seeing who the true allies are. We are building relationships and bridges. We are creating understanding. The time to speak is not yet here. But it is always the right time for the next right step or wheel. And it is ALWAYS the right time to stand and sit up to injustice and ignorance.