Stories
YAI Visits the White House
August 30, 2010
By Dr. Philip H. Levy, CEO and President of the YAI Network
On Monday, July 26, I had the honor and privilege of joining three YAI self-advocates in representing the YAI Network at a White House celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
President Barack Obama addressed an assembly of over 600 self-advocates, family members, government officials and other leaders in the field to commemorate the passage of this historic piece of legislation. In his remarks, the President also detailed additional federal initiatives he will be presenting to Congress in the near future.
Seated on the South Lawn, listening to the President speak with the iconic White House as his backdrop, Erica, Fred, Peter and I marveled at how far the disability advocacy movement has come in our pursuit of equal rights.
The ADA, which President Obama called “an extraordinary event in the life of this nation,” was a landmark moment in the struggle for social justice and civil rights. The President’s words reminded me how long and, at times, arduous the journey to this moment has been, and how vital it is we continue to advocate for disability rights.
“To look out for one another, to advance opportunity and prosperity for all of our people, to move America forward," President Obama said, "That’s what we did with the ADA. That is what we do today. And that’s what we’re going to do tomorrow – together.”
Our three self-advocates were just as moved as I by the enormity of the moment. “President Obama’s speech gave me inspiration that anybody that has a disability can go after their dreams and reach their goals,” Fred shared.
President Obama spoke of inclusion and, “Equal access, equal opportunity, the freedom to make our lives what we will – these aren’t principles that belong to any one group or any one political party. They are common principles. They are American principles.” These themes resonated with me, and with our self-advocates. Peter remarked, “The ADA helps remind the world that we – people with disabilities – are equal and have the same rights as everyone else.”
Traveling to the nation’s capital alongside three YAI consumers stirred memories of my time working as a direct service professional forty years ago, and the many joys it brought. I was able to experience first-hand the profound impact this moment has had on them, and their appreciation for it was infectious. “This has been the most amazing experience, ever!” said Erica. “I feel honored to be here. The ADA paved the way for us to speak our minds and be heard.”
When President Obama said the focus is, “Not dependence – but independence. That’s what the ADA was all about,” it was a powerful reinforcement of what we at YAI have always believed: emphasize what individuals can do, not what they can’t. The passion Erica, Fred and Peter all have for their own futures is an equally great reminder.
On the South Lawn, I thought about how we all throughout the YAI Network have chosen to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and how, in so doing, we are not only transforming the lives of the people we serve, but promoting a human rights movement that has changed the world. In many ways, this moment was not just Fred’s, or Erica’s, or Peter’s, or mine; in reality, the White House celebration was for everyone at YAI.
Today, the YAI Network continues to bring hope and opportunity to people with disabilities. Thank you for choosing to make a difference by keeping the spirit of the ADA alive.
You can view the full White House video of President Obama's address here.
