How to Know and Exercise Your Rights as a Disabled Person

Modern societies mandate laws to increase equal access for all citizens, but individuals cannot use those rights unless they understand them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Complying With The ADA - A Guidebook
• Workplace Disability Management
• Directories Of Elected Officials
• Disability Rights Advocates
• Self-help Law Books
• Amplified Telephones
• Talking Calculators
• Talking Keyboard
• Text Telephone
• Talking Clocks
• Hearing-impaired Alerting Systems
• Wheelchair Ramps
• Internet Access
• TDD/TSS Services
• Computers
• Speech Recognition Software
• Lever Locksets
• American Sign Language Video

1. Study the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other applicable national and local laws extending access to citizens with disabilities.
2. Join alliances such as a local council on independent living.
3. Start an advocacy group if one is not active in your area.
4. Seek out experts in disability law who might provide pro bono aid.
5. Take part in government.
6. Attend meetings and volunteer for positions on state committees, city councils, and local housing and zoning boards and commissions.
7. Lobby members of boards and councils by presenting factual information regarding disability access and accommodation.
8. Consider becoming a candidate for office.
9. Seek publicity for the implementation and extension of disability rights.
10. Contact local television and radio stations and newspapers and point out problem areas such as the lack of wheelchair ramps or improper use of handicapped parking.
11. Develop a rapport with investigative reporters who may prove to be a valuable ally and source of information.
12. Ask first for voluntary action when you perceive a problem.
13. Seek simple modifications as an initial effort, but demand full compliance with disability access standards.
14. Be persistent.

Tips & Warnings

• Assume the best. Most people can be persuaded that voluntary compliance to the letter and spirit of disability-access law makes the community better for all citizens.
• No better tool for networking, support, research and advocacy exists than the Internet.
• Settling for less than proper access means you give away your rights and the rights of other people with disabilities.