The Time Is Now

If Changes Are Not Made Soon, The President Will Have A Big Problem On His Hands.

As the times change, everything must adapt and everyone must be ready for a new lifestyle. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on January 23, 1990. It was meant to provide equality for all Americans with any type of handicap. At that time, it did what it was supposed to do. Here at Different Ability, we see the ADA as an old house that needs many renovations. After hearing of the unjust treatment of Casey Martin, Different Ability executives decided to examine the ADA and identify the flaws that could be repaired. Listed below are the weaknesses and suggested solutions.

I. Public Access

WEAKNESS: Have you ever seen a handicapped person trying to open a door? What did you do? There are many handicapped people that could be independent in public. The only problem is that most public facilities do not have proper accessibility. What causes this problem? Well, the cause is simple. It costs a great deal of money to make a building accessible. At movie theaters, handicapped customers are often forced to sit in an odd row, usually at the bottom of the theater, forcing people to have a tremendous neck ache. Stadiums have a similar problem. The handicapped seating is usually at one spot, going all around the building. Another common problem is that there are steps to get to seats, not ramps. Our final concern with public access is restrooms. Most facilities have a handicapped stall, but there is still a major flaw. The door is to the main bathroom is not accessible; that puts many people in a very uncomfortable situation.

SOLUTION: Different Ability strongly believes that the government should budget more money for disability costs. If they would set aside a certain amount of money, then all buildings could be friendly to differently-abled people. Every building should contain at least one entrance and exit that is accessible. There should be a censor or button on that door, providing all people with the opportunity to be independent. Instead of making the whole theater full of steps, they should make one side a ramp and make wider aisles for wheelchairs. That way, all people could enjoy the show. All these new and improved stadiums are being built to house our favorite sports teams. Does anyone consider the fact that handicapped people can and will attend games and events at their facility? Architects of stadiums should make them deeper so that handicapped people can sit at any place in the stadium, along with their loved ones. You can easily make a restroom accessible. There are two ways. (1). Make the room an L-shape with no door. (2). Put a button near the door.

II. Insurance

WEAKNESS: Insurance is not easily affordable for many disabled people. They are often placed on a state funded policy that runs out when they reach a certain age. With all the claims that they file due to therapy and other needs, most people are not accepted for who they are; they are accepted for what they are. Understandingly, insurance companies look at applicants from a business point of view. Again, most companies won't accept handicapped people because of the amount of money that is involved. If a handicapped person is accepted, their premiums are usually very high. That is usually a catalyst for the person being forced to drop the policy.

SOLUTION: State funded plans are fine, that is, until they run out. That leaves the person out in the desert. Insurance companies should look at people from a business point of view, but also have a little heart. Different Ability also believes that state governments should place a cap on the price of premiums. Once that has been accomplished, all people will have the opportunity for affordable insurance

III. Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

WEAKNESS: All buildings must follow an ADA architectural code. Although all buildings are technically accessible, most handicapped people will tell you that the ADA code is too low. Most building owners don't make their building realistically accessible. This occurs for a possibility of two reasons: (1). The owner has just purchased the building and doesn't have the money to strive for higher accessibility. (2). The owner doesn't budget accessibility costs. The government should set aside money so that owners only have to cover a portion of the cost. If the government doesn't help, then they are leaving millions of perfectly good employees out of a job. The bosses are able to discriminate against people due to the fact that the building is not accessible.

SOLUTION: When the government calculates it's yearly budget, they should set aside money to give to businesses that would cover a portion of the cost of accessibility. Then we would truly be an equal opportunity employer, with no excuse for discrimination by bosses.

IV. Driver's Education

WEAKNESS: All schools provide behind the wheel training for kids. However, in order to get a license, handicapped people have another step. They have to get evaluated by therapists to see if they are even eligible to drive. Does the school cover the cost of the evaluation? Where do you have to go to get this evaluation done? It is often very far away and the cost is high.

SOLUTION: Schools should provide equal opportunities for all students. They should cover the cost of the evaluation. The instructors should be giving lessons to people in modified cars, which the schools could rent.

V. Handicapped Athletes

WEAKNESS: Some professional sports organizations are not willing to give handicapped people the chance to play. For example, Casey Martin has a disability that makes his legs poorly circulated. He is able to play golf, however, only if he is allowed the use of a golf cart. He took his case to the PGA. Obviously, Martin argued that he is allowed to use a golf cart under federal law. (ADA.) On the other hand, the PGA argued that they are a private organization and that they can make their own rules.

SOLUTION: Why is it unfair for a person to receive the modifications that he/she deserves? In Martin's case, if he were to walk a twenty-five mile golf course, the PGA is risking huge liability. It is our belief that Martin exerts the same amount of energy while using the golf cart as Tiger Woods does walking. Think about it. If Tiger Woods was suddenly stricken with an illness, would the PGA give him a cart? All men are supposed to be created equal. Let's make it that way. All people deserve a chance, and if modifications are needed to provide that chance, then so be it.

These changes are all feasible. The problem is that there is not enough money to begin the long process of implementing them. It should take about ten years to make the changes effective. By the time these changes are implemented, there will have been a tremendous population increase; by starting now, we will save the President a lot of work. Even though they cost a lot of money, they can't hurt anyone; as a matter of fact, all people will benefit from them. They will not hurt anyone. With these changes, handicapped people can now live life to the fullest. They can be functioning, working and wage-earning parts of society. Congressman Mark Kirk told one Different Ability executive that "If you go far enough, you will end up in Washington testifying in front of Congress." That is our ultimate goal.