Today is the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. What more needs to be done?

2015-07-26T12:12:56-04:00

Today the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 25years old. Does this Act cover enough or should it be changed? What are your thoughts on equal rights or accommodations for the disabled?

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 26 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-07-26T12:37:53-04:00

I think we have covered our bases. There will always be a situation that was never thought out of course. What needs to be done is the public realizing that not everyone gets around on two feet and show a little courtesy. Hold the door or leave the handicap stall in the bathroom open if you can. Stuff like that goes a long way to making a challenged person feel like we care.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-07-26T15:09:39-04:00

Believe it or not, I was working with the Kansas City, MO, Police Department in the very early days of this ADA's eventual becoming law. During those days, a number of police agencies across the country were asked to complete some rather voluminous surveys about the proposed Act, its various legal changes as to what impacts those proposed changes would have upon law enforcement. I was given the job to work on and complete the surveys. It gave me a very intimate look at this newly proposed law. That said, in the years that have followed, I can say that one aspect of the law that has been abused and misused with increasing flagrance is part referring to the handicap license plates and window placards. I have neither the time nor the inclination to address it any further than to say that this provision in the law needs serious review and revision. I would estimate that the abuse of this portion of the law, alone, rises to levels in the ninety percentile. My very educated estimate is from experience and observation. This sub-section of the ADA has created a illegal problem of Biblical proportions.

Response by SN Richard Spain made Jul 31 at 2020 11:34 PM

2020-07-31T23:34:22-04:00

Well, for one thing, the ADA should apply to the armed forces. After all, there is really no reason why a visually-impaired ordained clergyperson couldn't be commissioned as a chaplain.