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Lets Reflect and be Thankful for the ADA

Does anyone know that there will be a disability parade in NYC celebrating the 25th anniversary of the American disability Act in NYC?  Happening on July 12 2015. 
Only July 26.1990, just 4 years before I was born the American Disability Act was passed. On December 23. 1994, I was welcome into this world as a healthy premature  baby after 3 months of intensive medical care in the hospital I receive medical neglect from staff. Shortly of an year old my parents found out I had Cerebral Palsy, placing myself into the disability population and the Ada generation as I am the first generation  to see and experience the greatest of the ADA. 
I am grateful that I grew up in this generation of more people who are now more aware and accepting to people with disabilities, but I would never want to forget those who struggled, faced harsh living conditions and some even died from such lifestyle leading to making a difference for individuals with disabilities. 
We are no longer together in the word disability we each have our own disability often many disabilities are invisible. We are separated as well as being well intergrated in the communities 
The ADA has brought about some positive changes and I want to make sure we all celebrate the cause. 
What people don't realize is that not everyone is born with a disability. Everyone will become a person with a disability once in a lifetime even if it's to use a walker, wheelchair or a cane..etc. We will all benefit from the ADA law in some way. 
Because of the ADA: 
1.I and others are able to go to school and be around regular children. It's important to feel acceptance from your peers as well. Even though I was the invisible one in my high school, never been on trips or apart of groups. 
  1. Going to college and receive proper accommodation 
  1.  Public places are accessible  
  1. Voting stations ( which we need to encourage more  people with disabilities to vote 
  1. We got the ticket to work 
  1. Access to public transportation 
  1. Curb cuts 
  1. The rights to have a voice 
  1. A different view towards people with disabilities..Seeing beyond the disability as I will express it. and more 
Because of the ADA yes we have come very far and I will like to make that official and make it clear that we have fought the fight with still a long way to go.  
Progress was made. Yet as a person with a disability it is not always easy accessing barriers. I face discrimination often..Its hard to believe it but true. We are often judge by our disability instead of our abilities..I find that many of us when accessing services we are stereotype. The word disability is very open and that's what people fail to understand or see. 
What we don't have many people take for granted. 
During the Month of July I am planning on taking a class but more of filling up my calendar to celebrity something that’s close and dear to my heart and that’s the 25th Ada parade.  
It is an honor to be apart of this journey and celebration with my friends, family, my community, agencies and last but not least my members of the Mayor's office for people with disabilities  Youth council and Commissioner Calise who is working hard to put together such an important event. 
If you are having an ADA event please feel free to comment on this page and let me know so we can add it to the ADA calendar with MOPD( Mayor's office for people with disabilities) 
Thank you! 

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