31 years ago this month (July 26, 1990), the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, was signed into law. It fundamentally changed our society to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. It forced us to evaluate our daily lives and examine how existing barriers could adapt to be more equitable. This includes sidewalk crossings, building entrances, and public transit to people’s perceptions and opinions of people’s abilities.
The ADA was monumental legislation that made major inroads to allow people with disabilities more opportunities to live successful and independent lives. We’ve seen a tremendous impact on our clients’ daily lives because of the laws and regulations from the ADA, but there’s still much work to be done to truly provide equitable opportunities for health for all.
Four barriers to health that people with disabilities continue to fight every day:
1. Getting around
Finding safe, reliable transportation continues to be one of the top needs that Lifelong’s Aging & Disability Services (ADS) case managers help their clients with. From trips to the grocery store to transportation to medical appointments, we all need to get around, and that can be especially challenging for people with limited mobility. Transportation independence also allows people to connect with friends, family, and their community, and the more they can access transportation, the easier it is for them to get their needs met on their own, but that’s still a challenge. Before the ADA, many individuals with disabilities could not depend on public transportation due to the inaccessibility of public transit options.
2. Access to basic needs
While the ADA provides a number of protections and laid the groundwork for many social service programs for people living with aging and disability care needs, we still see clients every day that do not know what’s available to them or how to receive support to lead their best life. Even for the most seasoned social worker, the process to sign up, receive, and maintain social services can be a challenge. ADS case managers conduct interviews and assessments with their clients to help them understand their needs and potential gaps in services, while treating them with respect and dignity, encouraging self-empowerment to seek services, and assisting them or advocating for services from outside agencies to support their health.
3. Living space accommodations
Many of us can relate to the expense, stress, and complicated process involved in home renovations, but for those that have hearing, visual, mobility, or other disabilities, renovation costs to their living spaces to accommodate their needs is even more challenging, especially when most are also battling health issues. ADS case managers help clients make their homes and living areas more accessible, coordinating with occupational therapists on recommendations to how homes could be modified to meet their unique needs. Adding ramps in and out of people’s homes is a huge benefit to help them evacuate their home in cases of emergency and it also works in tandem with expanding access to transportation. Stair lifts, ceiling track lifts, roll-in showers, and wider doors are also life-changing for someone in a wheelchair. After working with clients to get and review bids, the case manager can help the client access thousands of dollars from Washington State to provide accessibility construction work.
4. Daily chores and tasks
The ADA provided government support, programs, and a pathway for independent living for many people living with disabilities, but for people battling illness, they still need some help. While most of our clients are able to care for themselves, many still need a helping hand with daily tasks, such as preparing a meal, getting dressed, or taking a shower. Case managers assist clients with receiving caregiving support, so they can spend more time and energy focusing on their health, and less stress and strain on daily chores that could zap their daily energy.
“Without Lifelong I probably would have died. With these services, my life has improved.” – A Lifelong client
Lifelong continues to support the disability community by advocating for accessibility and reducing stigma by breaking down barriers to access their best health. We provide aging and disability services, housing, medical case management, and nutrition services for those battling illness and injustice.
If you or someone you know is in need of services, please contact us by calling 425-375-2980 or emailing ads-info@lifelong.org.