On the 30th Anniversary of American’s with Disabilities Act, I’m thankful for the advocates that bravely crawled up the steps of the Capitol building when there was no access demanding to be seen and heard. Demanding for the equality of basic human rights for all. For them…I can go to work without being discriminated against and earn livelihood the same as you. I have access to education, medical care, services and infrastructure. I can park my car and have the space I need to put my wheelchair together (and yep that’s what that space is for) I have access to public bathrooms with space for my wheelchair to close the stall door and have equal privacy just like you (yep that’s what that was built for also) I can drive. I can fly. I can travel. I can study abroad on scholarships. I have access to mobility equipment, wheelchairs, sport wheelchairs, hand cycles and adapted sports programs. I can access life just like you. It’s not ok to excluded me or place judgement on what you think I can or cannot do. That’s up to ME to decide. It’s not ok to tell me no and leave me on the sidelines and offer me less than another. I was 15 years old when this powerful and most important civil rights legislation was finally passed …1990! Why did it take us so long to care about me…to care about WE. ADA is here for ALL of us. If ever you find yourself in need of it for a moment or forever like me, it’s here. Let’s celebrate today the freedom ADA gifts us as Americans. I will “be the change I wish to see in the world” There is still so much work to do but I’m so hopeful and grateful and I will continue to do my part everyday single day! ♥️