1 00:00:21,920 --> 00:00:26,790 ♪ In the Disability Rights movement had been the streams of constant change ♪ 2 00:00:26,790 --> 00:00:29,320 ♪ For the worse, for the better ♪ 3 00:00:29,320 --> 00:00:33,220 ♪ In flux it had remained ♪ 4 00:00:33,220 --> 00:00:35,720 ♪ But to move it with decision ♪ 5 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:38,390 ♪ Toward human dignity ♪ 6 00:00:38,390 --> 00:00:39,590 ♪ We gathered as one ♪ 7 00:00:39,590 --> 00:00:40,990 ♪ There was work to be done ♪ 8 00:00:40,990 --> 00:00:45,350 ♪ For we only held part of the key ♪ 9 00:00:45,350 --> 00:00:49,920 ♪ ADA ♪ 10 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:54,920 ♪ We stand as one to see it through ♪ 11 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:59,140 ♪ To shape new legislation based on laws as then in place ♪ 12 00:00:59,900 --> 00:01:01,940 ♪ Bringing power to the people ♪ 13 00:01:02,160 --> 00:01:04,740 ♪ Whose lives these things embrace ♪ 14 00:01:05,880 --> 00:01:08,640 ♪ So we formed a coalition ♪ 15 00:01:08,780 --> 00:01:11,220 ♪ And the system surely moved ♪ 16 00:01:11,520 --> 00:01:12,700 ♪ It's the law today ♪ 17 00:01:12,800 --> 00:01:14,420 ♪ It's the ADA ♪ 18 00:01:15,320 --> 00:01:20,100 ♪ And the balance has improved ♪ 19 00:01:21,580 --> 00:01:24,660 ♪ And for those who are disabled ♪ 20 00:01:25,040 --> 00:01:26,920 ♪ A change has been perceived ♪ 21 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:29,800 ♪ A freer step up across this land ♪ 22 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:32,540 ♪ On the road to liberty ♪ 23 00:01:33,620 --> 00:01:38,620 ♪ As we sang this song together nearly 22 years today ♪ 24 00:01:39,300 --> 00:01:41,980 ♪ Still a journey we share as together we care ♪ 25 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:46,040 ♪ And we work for the ADA ♪ 26 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:52,660 ♪ A - D - A ♪ 27 00:01:53,140 --> 00:01:58,140 ♪ We stand as one to see it through ♪ 28 00:01:59,280 --> 00:02:03,960 ♪ A - D - A ♪ 29 00:02:04,500 --> 00:02:07,180 ♪ Civil rights ♪ 30 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:14,260 ♪ Civil rights so very long overdue ♪ 31 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:17,600 (audience applauding) 32 00:02:17,700 --> 00:02:20,260 - Thank you, thank you. 33 00:02:21,900 --> 00:02:23,480 Thank you very much. 34 00:02:30,620 --> 00:02:31,460 - Hi. 35 00:02:31,560 --> 00:02:32,960 It's me, Renee Lopez. 36 00:02:33,280 --> 00:02:35,180 I'm here with my dog, Joe-Joe 37 00:02:35,280 --> 00:02:37,280 and we wanna wish, 38 00:02:38,460 --> 00:02:42,900 we wanna say happy 30th anniversary to the ADA. 39 00:02:43,780 --> 00:02:48,160 It's been an amazing civil rights act. 40 00:02:48,160 --> 00:02:50,500 And I'm so proud that we have it now. 41 00:02:50,500 --> 00:02:52,900 I feel like a true American. 42 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:57,660 And we still have a lot to do and a long way to go, 43 00:02:57,660 --> 00:03:00,300 but we'll keep fighting the good fight. 44 00:03:00,460 --> 00:03:03,260 And in the meantime, we'll celebrate the 30 years. 45 00:03:03,260 --> 00:03:04,100 Can you believe it? 46 00:03:04,260 --> 00:03:05,040 30 years. 47 00:03:05,740 --> 00:03:06,900 Anyway, that's awesome. 48 00:03:06,900 --> 00:03:08,680 Joe-Joe says hi. 49 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:10,960 Say happy anniversary, Joe-Joe. (laughs) 50 00:03:10,960 --> 00:03:12,900 Arf. Arf. (laughs) 51 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:17,280 Okay, okay, okay, okay. 52 00:03:19,680 --> 00:03:24,620 - I wanted to wish the Americans with Disabilities Act 53 00:03:25,060 --> 00:03:31,660 a wonderful 30-year history and anniversary. 54 00:03:32,380 --> 00:03:34,660 It's meant a lot to me 55 00:03:34,980 --> 00:03:39,920 as I have grown and seen the wonderful things 56 00:03:40,100 --> 00:03:44,360 that I can now do that I wasn't able to do before. 57 00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:47,520 All right ADA, here we go. 58 00:03:48,320 --> 00:03:50,500 ♪ On the road again ♪ 59 00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:55,780 - Hey, happy 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 60 00:03:56,180 --> 00:04:00,520 I remember before ADA was enacted, 61 00:04:00,580 --> 00:04:02,400 it was tougher to get around. 62 00:04:02,820 --> 00:04:04,840 It was harder to get into programs. 63 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:08,480 You were there by the grace of whoever wanted 64 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:12,580 to either assist you or the powers that be 65 00:04:12,580 --> 00:04:15,880 would give to you in order to be heard. 66 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:20,640 Now we have the ADA, we can expect it to happen. 67 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:25,080 And we also have a responsibility to make sure it happens. 68 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:30,500 - So happy 30th anniversary ADA 69 00:04:30,840 --> 00:04:35,200 to boldly go where everyone else has gone before. 70 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:37,020 Thank you ADA. (cheers) 71 00:04:37,080 --> 00:04:38,060 - Thank you, babe. 72 00:04:39,540 --> 00:04:40,940 - Hi, I'm Phil. 73 00:04:40,940 --> 00:04:45,820 My wife, Marsha and I have been members of ADAPT of Texas since the early 1990s. 74 00:04:45,960 --> 00:04:49,800 As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ADA, 75 00:04:49,900 --> 00:04:53,080 we're grateful for all of the progress that that represents. 76 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:56,520 And we know too, that organizations like ADAPT 77 00:04:56,640 --> 00:05:00,620 serve as a public conscience of all that yet needs to get done. 78 00:05:01,260 --> 00:05:02,700 One of the examples of that 79 00:05:02,860 --> 00:05:07,140 is my memory of the Memphis action of 1998. 80 00:05:07,500 --> 00:05:10,600 During that time, 400 to 500 ADAPTers 81 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:13,040 from all over the country stormed the state office building 82 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:14,780 and shut it down overnight. 83 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:17,140 We brought attention to the public 84 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:20,720 that government funding needed to be applied towards people 85 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:22,500 to get them out of nursing homes 86 00:05:22,500 --> 00:05:24,240 where they can live in the community 87 00:05:24,360 --> 00:05:26,100 and it's cheaper and more humane. 88 00:05:26,600 --> 00:05:28,660 The lasting memory of that event 89 00:05:28,660 --> 00:05:30,640 is the chant from all of the ADAPTers. 90 00:05:30,980 --> 00:05:34,640 The people united shall never be defeated. 91 00:05:37,220 --> 00:05:39,260 - My name's Gene Rodgers. 92 00:05:39,260 --> 00:05:43,960 Before the ADA, we didn't have accessible transportation. 93 00:05:44,100 --> 00:05:47,600 I remember having to sit in the streets to block buses, 94 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:50,960 trying to get the attention of our elected officials 95 00:05:51,220 --> 00:05:55,120 to let 'em know that we wanted to ride the bus too. 96 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:57,760 We wanted accessible buses. 97 00:05:57,760 --> 00:06:00,620 We unified people across the country 98 00:06:01,580 --> 00:06:04,580 galvanizing other people with disabilities. 99 00:06:04,880 --> 00:06:07,440 In one voice, we made it clear. 100 00:06:08,100 --> 00:06:09,940 We were on the road to freedom. 101 00:06:10,400 --> 00:06:11,780 We were on the way 102 00:06:11,780 --> 00:06:15,040 to getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed. 103 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:19,420 And once we did, we had to remind the public 104 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:23,680 we still needed accessibility in many forms 105 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:25,300 and in many places. 106 00:06:25,820 --> 00:06:27,580 People seemed to forget. 107 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:32,240 Before the ADA was passed, we were in the rotunda 108 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:37,120 in Washington DC to show how serious we were about the ADA. 109 00:06:38,020 --> 00:06:40,760 Please don't make us come back and do it again. 110 00:06:43,540 --> 00:06:44,820 - ADA today, 111 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:46,540 ADA tomorrow, 112 00:06:46,780 --> 00:06:48,460 ADA forever. 113 00:06:49,280 --> 00:06:54,060 I can't believe it's the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 114 00:06:54,560 --> 00:06:57,380 Stephanie and I were there for the signing. 115 00:06:57,420 --> 00:07:01,020 And now 30 years later, we're still fighting 116 00:07:01,240 --> 00:07:03,160 for the same community integration. 117 00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:04,920 Things have gotten a lot better, 118 00:07:05,200 --> 00:07:08,220 but like the sign on top of my desk says, 119 00:07:08,220 --> 00:07:09,900 don't mourn, organize. 120 00:07:10,260 --> 00:07:12,460 He who giveth can take it away. 121 00:07:12,980 --> 00:07:15,840 I'm excited to be part of ADAPT of Texas, 122 00:07:16,040 --> 00:07:18,920 which is fighting to protect and enhance 123 00:07:18,920 --> 00:07:21,200 the Americans with Disabilities Act. 124 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:24,520 So free our people, community integration, 125 00:07:24,520 --> 00:07:26,260 ADA now! 126 00:07:27,660 --> 00:07:32,900 You know ADAPT, we love you but we don't think your tactics are right 127 00:07:33,540 --> 00:07:35,540 You're hurting us, because... 128 00:07:35,680 --> 00:07:37,680 You're radical, you're terrorists, 129 00:07:37,840 --> 00:07:39,720 You're giving us a bad name. 130 00:07:40,280 --> 00:07:45,560 You know we started with about 30 or 40 people in Washington DC, 131 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:48,840 My first action in 1984. 132 00:07:49,380 --> 00:07:51,420 I was a VISTA volunteer. 133 00:07:51,940 --> 00:07:56,220 Mike Alberger ran through a wooden police line 134 00:07:56,220 --> 00:07:58,460 And I don't know what came over me, 135 00:07:58,460 --> 00:07:59,780 but basically, you all know me... 136 00:07:59,800 --> 00:08:01,800 I'm a policy wonk. 137 00:08:02,580 --> 00:08:07,480 All I knew is that, I followed Mike through the line, and got arrested for 138 00:08:07,480 --> 00:08:10,380 my first time in 1984. 139 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:14,620 But since then... you know the fire in the belly, 140 00:08:14,900 --> 00:08:18,360 And you all have that fire in the belly. 141 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:23,540 You know sometimes everybody looks about how bad things are, 142 00:08:23,540 --> 00:08:27,840 But you guys really take to heart, don't morn, organize. 143 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:32,320 So, even though things are not where we wanted, 144 00:08:32,320 --> 00:08:34,840 You know you gotta realize, 145 00:08:34,850 --> 00:08:39,890 that when we first started to end the institutional bias 146 00:08:39,890 --> 00:08:46,100 80% of the money went to institutions and nursing facilities. 147 00:08:46,100 --> 00:08:52,380 And 20% went to community services. 148 00:08:53,800 --> 00:09:01,240 Now, over 55% goes to communities, and you all should be proud. 149 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:04,520 That's when I realized just how important accessibility is. 150 00:09:04,780 --> 00:09:08,600 And we need to hold each other accountable and hold businesses accountable. 151 00:09:08,780 --> 00:09:10,820 Moving forward and never stop. 152 00:09:11,540 --> 00:09:14,400 That's when I realized how important it was, then I got Involved with ADAPT. 153 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:15,740 It's been amazing ever since. 154 00:09:15,880 --> 00:09:17,480 It's been a learning process. 155 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:20,560 I'm so grateful, and I'm grateful for the ADA and all we're doing here. 156 00:09:20,820 --> 00:09:22,360 So, thank you all. 157 00:09:23,140 --> 00:09:26,760 It is thank you from the bottom of my heart. 158 00:09:27,220 --> 00:09:30,340 Thank you for making my family's life better, 159 00:09:30,340 --> 00:09:33,590 For making Peter's life better. 160 00:09:33,980 --> 00:09:36,820 For all of the challenges that we face 161 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:40,580 Everyday as special needs parents. 162 00:09:42,420 --> 00:09:49,380 There are so many that we don't face that I've come to realize as a direct result of all of the work 163 00:09:49,380 --> 00:09:53,120 this amazing group of people have done over years 164 00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:55,120 And what is now 3 decades. 165 00:09:56,020 --> 00:10:03,820 As Bob said, It's not perfect but it is so much better now thanks to y'all here. 166 00:10:04,280 --> 00:10:08,540 And making, as John Lewis said, good trouble when needs to be made. 167 00:10:10,080 --> 00:10:15,720 We are honored to help continue to make things better for all of us. 168 00:10:15,720 --> 00:10:18,280 So again, thank you so much. 169 00:10:18,280 --> 00:10:22,740 Peter would be here this morning, but he doesn't like the rain very much. 170 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:28,740 Hey, I'm Robin Hoffpauir, I'm a member of PACT, ADAPT, and Texas Democrats with disabilities. 171 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:34,900 I wanna say I'm grateful to the ADA 30th anniversary 172 00:10:35,140 --> 00:10:37,140 Because we have access to busses 173 00:10:37,150 --> 00:10:39,190 And we have access to buildings 174 00:10:39,190 --> 00:10:41,940 But there is still a lot that hast to be done. 175 00:10:42,220 --> 00:10:50,160 And we need to fund raise and we need to show this administration that we will not be put down. 176 00:10:50,740 --> 00:10:54,340 That we will fight forever for our independence. 177 00:10:54,980 --> 00:10:59,780 And the right to live in accessible, integrated, affordable housing. 178 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:06,680 Happy anniversary ADA but it would not have happened without the direct action 179 00:11:07,060 --> 00:11:11,380 And I'll always remember that, being a policy wonk. 180 00:11:11,380 --> 00:11:14,380 It just doesn't happen by people being nice. 181 00:11:14,380 --> 00:11:19,520 So carry on and watch what they are trying to do to you 182 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:21,000 I know you are. 183 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:25,880 But there's always efforts to change it and roll it back. 184 00:11:26,560 --> 00:11:30,980 So, let's be all diligent and keep up the direct action. 185 00:11:31,500 --> 00:11:34,340 - Hi guys, Terri Stellar here. 186 00:11:34,540 --> 00:11:36,780 And this is my service dog, Dolly. 187 00:11:36,780 --> 00:11:39,500 Say hi, Dolly, say hi. 188 00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:42,220 See, she thinks she's going for a walk. 189 00:11:42,220 --> 00:11:44,760 This is where we start our walks, on my front porch. 190 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:49,260 Wow! The Americans with Disabilities Act is 30 years old. 191 00:11:49,260 --> 00:11:51,000 It's hard to believe. 192 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:58,120 You know, it seems like just yesterday I was with my ADAPT brothers and sisters in Washington DC. 193 00:11:58,240 --> 00:12:02,140 And I was working at an independent living center in San Antonio at the time. 194 00:12:02,440 --> 00:12:05,420 And I had told my boss that I wanted to go on this trip, 195 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,660 but I was not gonna get arrested. 196 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:11,060 Repeat, not gonna get arrested. 197 00:12:11,060 --> 00:12:14,320 And well, you know how those things go. 198 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:19,240 I was the 102nd person to be arrested in the Capitol rotunda. 199 00:12:19,660 --> 00:12:22,780 But wow, we made a huge difference that day. 200 00:12:23,220 --> 00:12:26,960 Shortly after the Americans with Disabilities Act passed 201 00:12:26,960 --> 00:12:29,980 and it changed everybody's lives for the better. 202 00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:31,500 It was so exciting. 203 00:12:32,380 --> 00:12:35,280 Anyway, I hope you guys are well. 204 00:12:35,280 --> 00:12:36,240 Take care. 205 00:12:36,380 --> 00:12:37,000 Bye. 206 00:12:39,280 --> 00:12:44,180 - For me, July 26th, the 30th anniversary of the ADA 207 00:12:44,190 --> 00:12:46,490 marks a huge and significant change 208 00:12:46,490 --> 00:12:48,490 in the lives of people with disabilities, 209 00:12:48,490 --> 00:12:50,790 both in this country and around the world. 210 00:12:50,790 --> 00:12:53,990 And it shows what people with disabilities can achieve 211 00:12:53,990 --> 00:12:58,090 when we work together to make the changes we want to see. 212 00:12:58,090 --> 00:13:01,690 Because that's how it really came about as a law, 213 00:13:01,690 --> 00:13:03,990 was people with disabilities, all walks of life, 214 00:13:03,990 --> 00:13:05,950 all different kinds of people 215 00:13:05,950 --> 00:13:08,650 working together to achieve that goal. 216 00:13:08,650 --> 00:13:10,020 And we did. 217 00:13:10,020 --> 00:13:12,190 And it made a big, big difference for a lot of people. 218 00:13:12,190 --> 00:13:15,150 It's helping to keep people out of nursing homes 219 00:13:15,150 --> 00:13:16,820 and other institutions. 220 00:13:16,820 --> 00:13:19,720 It's helping to increase the amount of community services 221 00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:21,150 that are available. 222 00:13:21,150 --> 00:13:23,350 It didn't use to be anything near this amount. 223 00:13:23,350 --> 00:13:25,920 You used to have to know routes to get around places. 224 00:13:25,920 --> 00:13:28,250 And the few places in town that were accessible 225 00:13:28,250 --> 00:13:31,650 where you could go out to eat or see a movie or whatever, 226 00:13:31,650 --> 00:13:34,550 you'd have to memorize those locations. 227 00:13:34,550 --> 00:13:38,790 Now we may not have reached Nirvana yet, hardly. 228 00:13:38,790 --> 00:13:40,450 We have a ways to go, 229 00:13:40,450 --> 00:13:42,620 but we are so much further down the road. 230 00:13:42,620 --> 00:13:46,290 And I think that we really need to take time to step back 231 00:13:46,290 --> 00:13:48,820 and acknowledge what we were able to achieve 232 00:13:48,820 --> 00:13:50,150 and what we could still achieve 233 00:13:50,150 --> 00:13:52,150 if we continue to work together. 234 00:13:52,150 --> 00:13:55,450 So happy ADA anniversary. 235 00:13:55,450 --> 00:13:58,550 (people chattering) 236 00:13:58,550 --> 00:14:00,720 - Hi, I'm Danny Saenz. 237 00:14:00,720 --> 00:14:04,250 And I just wanted to talk a little bit 238 00:14:04,250 --> 00:14:08,820 how my life has been affected by the passage of the ADA. 239 00:14:08,820 --> 00:14:14,180 When I grew up, Corpus Christi, there was no curb cut. 240 00:14:14,420 --> 00:14:16,090 There weren't any curb cuts. 241 00:14:16,090 --> 00:14:18,120 There weren't any accessible transportation. 242 00:14:18,120 --> 00:14:21,320 If I went to the movies, 243 00:14:21,540 --> 00:14:24,580 my father would have to take me in a wheelchair 244 00:14:24,590 --> 00:14:27,650 and sit me in the seat and then fold up my wheelchair 245 00:14:27,650 --> 00:14:32,340 because I wasn't allowed to stay in my wheelchair. 246 00:14:35,980 --> 00:14:42,400 And now I can get on any bus in Austin, 247 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:45,920 roll around, go to the parks, go to accessible parks, 248 00:14:46,220 --> 00:14:49,880 be able to use the restroom in the parks, 249 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:57,290 be able to ride the bus with accessible vehicle, 250 00:14:57,290 --> 00:15:03,040 been able to ride the Greyhound 251 00:15:03,840 --> 00:15:05,720 and even use their app, 252 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:12,780 I still have to schedule a ride for the Greyhound. 253 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:17,760 ...who told me I was gonna stay with my daddy all my life. 254 00:15:18,300 --> 00:15:20,640 When my daddy died, at 54 255 00:15:20,920 --> 00:15:24,090 So that would've put me in my third institution 256 00:15:25,080 --> 00:15:28,880 and I probably would've never (beeps) realistically. 257 00:15:29,620 --> 00:15:31,800 But people who know me know I have always, 258 00:15:31,800 --> 00:15:33,220 my daddy used to say, 259 00:15:33,220 --> 00:15:35,760 I don't know where you're stubbornness comes from, 260 00:15:36,060 --> 00:15:38,500 but god-dang you're stubborn! 261 00:15:38,700 --> 00:15:41,640 And that has gotten me to where I am. 262 00:15:41,820 --> 00:15:44,520 And every person out here standing in this rain, 263 00:15:44,880 --> 00:15:47,380 standing in the sun that might come out, 264 00:15:47,860 --> 00:15:50,500 we have all had to experience that. 265 00:15:50,860 --> 00:15:53,480 And we have all had to fight that fight. 266 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:57,740 Whether it be with family, whether it be with friends, 267 00:15:57,740 --> 00:16:00,060 maybe (beeps) dangers. 268 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:02,600 But you know what, we put up that smile 269 00:16:02,620 --> 00:16:04,220 and we're just gonna go on 270 00:16:04,220 --> 00:16:05,720 and we're gonna celebrate. 271 00:16:06,240 --> 00:16:08,180 Happy ADA! 272 00:16:08,400 --> 00:16:11,020 Happy Americans with Disabilities Act! 273 00:16:11,340 --> 00:16:12,760 (people cheering) 274 00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:16,820 - My name is Victor Maceyra 275 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:22,880 And Bob and Stephanie freed me from a nursing home. 276 00:16:23,090 --> 00:16:26,240 - What happened to me was that we made 277 00:16:26,250 --> 00:16:27,650 money follow the people. 278 00:16:27,650 --> 00:16:29,850 And I got freed from that hospital. 279 00:16:29,850 --> 00:16:32,820 And I've been having a great time ever since. 280 00:16:33,060 --> 00:16:37,340 - And I had no idea that I was gonna follow a dream. 281 00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:47,900 The injustices and the conquered and divide and the ruling out of different people: 282 00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:50,640 A, somebody with disability, 283 00:16:50,650 --> 00:16:52,190 B, somebody with color, 284 00:16:52,190 --> 00:16:55,460 C, someone without money, 285 00:16:55,720 --> 00:16:58,450 D, someone who's sick with cancer. 286 00:16:58,450 --> 00:17:01,920 You know all these things, people have a damn stigma 287 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:05,120 and they don't think that people are people 288 00:17:05,120 --> 00:17:12,460 and they don't know the incredible amount of talent and abilities that a person has. 289 00:17:13,460 --> 00:17:17,600 I try to tell people to not use the words, 290 00:17:18,180 --> 00:17:20,620 what was it, the old one? cripple? 291 00:17:20,940 --> 00:17:22,720 a person with disabilities. 292 00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:26,050 But really, you wanna know something? 293 00:17:26,050 --> 00:17:29,320 There's old vans that made it across the country to DC 294 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:33,520 and to Michigan that broke down all the time. 295 00:17:33,520 --> 00:17:35,900 Good old Gene Rodgers old beam me up Scotty... 296 00:17:36,420 --> 00:17:40,640 - The ADA has been instrumental in all of our lives here. 297 00:17:41,180 --> 00:17:42,780 If you're a person with a disability, 298 00:17:43,340 --> 00:17:46,320 you know you can get into countless shops, 299 00:17:47,460 --> 00:17:50,980 entertainment events and venues, 300 00:17:52,120 --> 00:17:58,360 banks, all sorts of places for recreation like parks. 301 00:17:59,260 --> 00:18:04,960 And you also know every one of you that's been here, that it takes work. 302 00:18:05,300 --> 00:18:09,500 But the ADA is our mechanism. It's our tool. 303 00:18:09,680 --> 00:18:14,580 It's what we use to make sure that our independence 304 00:18:15,180 --> 00:18:18,700 is attained and maintained. 305 00:18:19,920 --> 00:18:23,500 Every one of you knows that that's been a struggle. 306 00:18:24,140 --> 00:18:27,440 Many of you know from the very beginning 307 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:31,960 and many will know in the future, 308 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:36,300 but that future isn't promised 309 00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:40,280 without all of us working together 310 00:18:40,290 --> 00:18:45,020 to making sure the ADA is a viable, working, 311 00:18:45,020 --> 00:18:48,850 living piece of legislation that lives on in our lives 312 00:18:48,850 --> 00:18:51,620 and all those who are to come. 313 00:18:51,620 --> 00:18:52,940 ADA now! 314 00:18:53,560 --> 00:18:55,420 - [Crowd joins in] ADA tomorrow! 315 00:18:55,780 --> 00:18:57,600 ADA, forever! 316 00:18:57,960 --> 00:18:59,780 ADA now! 317 00:19:00,100 --> 00:19:01,920 ADA tomorrow! 318 00:19:02,280 --> 00:19:04,180 ADA forever! 319 00:19:04,740 --> 00:19:06,420 ADA now! 320 00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:08,560 ADA tomorrow! 321 00:19:08,860 --> 00:19:10,360 ADA forever! 322 00:19:57,980 --> 00:19:59,980 - Thank you, Sparky. 323 00:20:00,580 --> 00:20:02,120 - Hello, I'm Lynda Frost. 324 00:20:02,120 --> 00:20:03,450 And I'm happy to be here today 325 00:20:03,450 --> 00:20:06,220 to celebrate the anniversary of the ADA. 326 00:20:06,220 --> 00:20:09,620 I was in law school in 1990 when the ADA was passed 327 00:20:09,620 --> 00:20:13,650 and did a project for a disability law seminar 328 00:20:13,650 --> 00:20:15,850 that was looking at the business school 329 00:20:15,850 --> 00:20:19,790 undergoing renovation and how the act was changing that. 330 00:20:19,790 --> 00:20:23,650 I was shocked at the time that the architect 331 00:20:23,650 --> 00:20:27,690 and the contractor was unaware of the new requirements. 332 00:20:27,690 --> 00:20:32,690 But I've come to learn that the ADA needs advocacy groups 333 00:20:32,690 --> 00:20:37,100 like ADAPT and like CTD and like Disability Rights Texas, 334 00:20:37,240 --> 00:20:40,580 to really ensure that people know what the ADA does 335 00:20:40,590 --> 00:20:42,550 and implement that in our community. 336 00:20:42,550 --> 00:20:45,150 So I'm excited to celebrate the ADA 337 00:20:45,150 --> 00:20:48,590 and I'm grateful for the wonderful advocacy groups in Texas. 338 00:20:48,590 --> 00:20:49,420 Thanks. 339 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:51,940 - I'm Dennis Borel. 340 00:20:51,960 --> 00:20:55,620 In 2000, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities hired me 341 00:20:55,620 --> 00:20:57,850 as their executive director 342 00:20:57,850 --> 00:21:00,190 just 10 years after the ADA was signed 343 00:21:00,190 --> 00:21:01,390 and just one year 344 00:21:01,390 --> 00:21:04,120 after the US Supreme court Olmsted decision. 345 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:07,380 I leaped into it with both feet. 346 00:21:07,440 --> 00:21:09,640 I'd known from earlier work in education 347 00:21:09,650 --> 00:21:12,320 and affordable housing some of the ADA, 348 00:21:12,320 --> 00:21:16,950 but I really learned of the promise while working at CTD. 349 00:21:16,950 --> 00:21:18,250 And that promise I've learned 350 00:21:18,250 --> 00:21:20,720 has not always been carried through. 351 00:21:20,720 --> 00:21:23,650 Even our state claims sovereign immunity 352 00:21:23,650 --> 00:21:26,620 to atone ADA violations. 353 00:21:26,620 --> 00:21:29,450 So ADA, I'm thankful for you. 354 00:21:29,450 --> 00:21:32,020 Congratulations on 30 years. 355 00:21:32,020 --> 00:21:34,490 You've made a big improvement. 356 00:21:34,490 --> 00:21:39,350 But the equal rights in the ADA have not translated really 357 00:21:39,350 --> 00:21:41,850 into equality in our society. 358 00:21:41,850 --> 00:21:43,320 We've got a little ways to go. 359 00:21:43,320 --> 00:21:44,800 Let's keep working together on it. 360 00:21:45,540 --> 00:21:48,840 - Hi, Dave Dauber from the Gene and Dave Show. 361 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:52,040 Happy birthday ADA. 362 00:21:52,640 --> 00:21:54,080 30 years! 363 00:21:54,540 --> 00:21:57,420 1990 is when the ADA was passed 364 00:21:58,500 --> 00:22:00,900 and I was graduating high school. 365 00:22:01,280 --> 00:22:04,980 Thanks to all the warriors that fought for the ADA 366 00:22:04,980 --> 00:22:07,260 and made it happen. 367 00:22:07,340 --> 00:22:09,460 Now we've got more work to do 368 00:22:09,640 --> 00:22:11,640 so we still need more warriors. 369 00:22:11,650 --> 00:22:17,480 So let's get out there and make sure that America is accessible. 370 00:22:19,160 --> 00:22:20,700 - We will not accept. 371 00:22:20,700 --> 00:22:22,350 We will not excuse. 372 00:22:22,350 --> 00:22:27,190 We will not tolerate discrimination in America. 373 00:22:27,190 --> 00:22:30,340 (audience applauding) 374 00:22:31,360 --> 00:22:34,940 I now lift my pen to sign this Americans with Disability Act 375 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:39,040 and say, let the shameful wall of exclusion 376 00:22:39,050 --> 00:22:41,890 finally come tumbling down. 377 00:22:41,890 --> 00:22:45,000 God bless you all. (audience applauding) 378 00:22:48,920 --> 00:22:54,180 - Hey, friends of the ADA, of our civil rights law 379 00:22:54,440 --> 00:22:56,540 of our emancipation proclamation. 380 00:22:58,340 --> 00:23:03,920 Gosh, a world without the ADA, we'd still be fighting. 381 00:23:04,180 --> 00:23:06,800 We still are fighting and we should never not stop fighting. 382 00:23:07,040 --> 00:23:12,220 The ADA is just a law that is in flux 383 00:23:12,880 --> 00:23:15,740 and we need to keep it safe, 384 00:23:15,740 --> 00:23:17,880 we need to add onto it, 385 00:23:18,220 --> 00:23:22,760 and we need to make sure that no amendments come against it. 386 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:28,560 But you know, it's our ticket to our communities. 387 00:23:29,780 --> 00:23:31,420 It's our ticket. 388 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:33,020 What we need to do is make sure 389 00:23:33,020 --> 00:23:36,320 that everyone that who does not have it, 390 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:38,920 which means the people that are in the nursing homes 391 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:42,080 and other congregated settings. 392 00:23:43,480 --> 00:23:49,100 Let's take this time and make it happen for everybody 393 00:23:49,780 --> 00:23:52,620 and be on that road to freedom. (chuckles) 394 00:23:53,240 --> 00:23:54,580 Y'all take care. 395 00:23:57,840 --> 00:24:01,380 ♪ We have the power to prevail ♪ 396 00:24:01,390 --> 00:24:04,220 ♪ We have the power to succeed ♪ 397 00:24:04,220 --> 00:24:06,120 ♪ We have the strength of life in parts ♪ 398 00:24:06,120 --> 00:24:07,920 ♪ We have green lights, a running start ♪ 399 00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:10,490 ♪ And we have everything we need ♪ 400 00:24:10,490 --> 00:24:14,220 ♪ Yes it's within us, everyone ♪ 401 00:24:14,220 --> 00:24:17,020 ♪ And when all has been said and done ♪ 402 00:24:17,020 --> 00:24:18,850 ♪ We take each step along the way ♪ 403 00:24:18,850 --> 00:24:20,750 ♪ Through what we do and what we say ♪ 404 00:24:20,750 --> 00:24:23,590 ♪ We have the power to prevail ♪ 405 00:24:23,590 --> 00:24:27,020 ♪ We have a power to prevail ♪ 406 00:24:27,020 --> 00:24:29,890 ♪ And we've been growing through the years ♪ 407 00:24:29,890 --> 00:24:31,590 ♪ We found the courage and the heart ♪ 408 00:24:31,590 --> 00:24:33,490 ♪ To take a stand and play a part ♪ 409 00:24:33,490 --> 00:24:36,290 ♪ And we've been tempered by our tears ♪ 410 00:24:36,290 --> 00:24:39,790 ♪ We have the right to pass or fail ♪ 411 00:24:39,790 --> 00:24:42,590 ♪ To pass it on and tell the tale ♪ 412 00:24:42,590 --> 00:24:44,490 ♪ We have the tools, they're in our hands ♪ 413 00:24:44,490 --> 00:24:46,320 ♪ By our own work the laws command ♪ 414 00:24:46,320 --> 00:24:50,850 ♪ We have the power to prevail ♪ 415 00:24:50,850 --> 00:24:57,820 ♪ And we prevail when we are facing barriers along the way ♪ 416 00:24:58,500 --> 00:24:59,900 ♪ And we prevail ♪ 417 00:24:59,900 --> 00:25:04,980 ♪ And we find courage to live well another day ♪ 418 00:25:05,600 --> 00:25:08,980 ♪ For there is nothing that can weaken ♪ 419 00:25:09,180 --> 00:25:12,020 ♪ The strength of purpose that we feel ♪ 420 00:25:12,020 --> 00:25:13,850 ♪ With every victory great and small ♪ 421 00:25:13,850 --> 00:25:15,590 ♪ As we've responded to the call ♪ 422 00:25:15,590 --> 00:25:18,320 ♪ We have the power to prevail ♪ 423 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:21,950 ♪ We have a power to prevail ♪ 424 00:25:21,950 --> 00:25:24,750 ♪ Every woman, child, man ♪ 425 00:25:24,750 --> 00:25:26,750 ♪ We have the rights that are insured ♪ 426 00:25:26,750 --> 00:25:28,450 ♪ Hard one, focused and blurred ♪ 427 00:25:28,450 --> 00:25:31,250 ♪ It fills our hearts and cross this land ♪ 428 00:25:31,250 --> 00:25:34,750 ♪ As that great flame of truth is seen ♪ 429 00:25:34,750 --> 00:25:37,490 ♪ A spreading beacon bright and clean ♪ 430 00:25:37,490 --> 00:25:39,220 ♪ The torch is passed from hand to hand ♪ 431 00:25:39,220 --> 00:25:41,150 ♪ A light of hope to every land ♪ 432 00:25:41,150 --> 00:25:44,420 ♪ We have a power to prevail ♪ 433 00:25:44,420 --> 00:25:46,850 ♪ The power to prevail ♪ 434 00:25:46,850 --> 00:25:52,660 ♪ We have a power to prevail ♪