Up until twenty-five years ago, you might not have known we even existed. People with disabilities were excluded from mainstream education as many public buildings were not created accessible or accommodating. Discriminatory hiring practices based on disability made getting a job nearly impossible. The origin of the term “handicap” was coined because people with disabilities were literally known for having a “cap in hand”, begging for change. Many could hardly even leave their homes because none of the public transportation systems were made accessible. And, what’s worst of all, up until 25 years ago, it was legal.

Fast forward 25 years to Saturday, July 26, 2015. Thanks to your ongoing support,

[dis]ABLE is proudly in a position to be a Silver Sponsor of Philadelphia’s 25th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act – a giant step forward for people with disabilities and society as a whole. With this piece of legislation, President George H. W. Bush Sr. declared, “I now lift my pen to sign this Americans with Disabilities Act and say: Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” And while I celebrate the day in appreciation of all of the people who’ve fought to help pave the path to get me where I am today, the ADA only changed the rules.

The best way I can describe progress to date is by using none other than a sports analogy. Imagine kids are playing 5-0n-5 basketball in gym class. Pre-ADA, the kid with a disability is sidelined, or, even more likely, not even able to get in the gym because it isnā€™t accessible. Fast forward to present day, 25 years post-ADA, the gym teacher makes all of the necessary accommodations so the kid with a disability can play, but nobody passes him the rock because their perception all along has been that the kid canā€™t play. Little does the class know, the kid with a disability is Steph Curry with the shot. I know youā€™re probably thinking no way, but Iā€™ve seen some wheelchair basketball games recently and the dudes can ball.       

 In more literal terms, the government has mandated buildings be accessible; schools more accommodating; employers’ HR handbooks more inclusive. Where the ADA falls short, where every law falls short- is that laws do not change people’s minds. Twenty years ago, my mom fought for me to be in a mainstream classroom. Four years ago, I went on over thirty interviews before I got a job. No bill will ever be capable of changing people’s perception of the “disabled.” It is up to the people to decide that, disabled and not.  

 Enter stage left: [dis]ABLE. [dis]ABLE is here to show why you need to pass us the rock. People with disabilities have many talents and skills to offer if only given the opportunity to showcase them. In short, the ADA made the United States ā€œacceptingā€ of disability; [dis]ABLE is here to encourage the WORLD to embrace ability. Disable the limit.