Disability And Dating

In the past, the two terms- disability and dating, were rarely found together. In fact, the two words seemed utterly contradictory. Meeting someone special was a task in itself. Those who did find someone, found it all but impossible to spend time as a couple outside of the home. Throughout history, transportation and venues with accommodations for those having disabilities were hard to locate and were most times very costly. Viable options, even for those with plenty of financial benefit, were once very limited. Both transportation and accessibility of venues have proven to be great hurdles in the lives of most. These issues have made dating ventures for those with disabilities extremely hard to plan at best, and even harder to actually accomplish. Because of these circumstances, many have resolved to living less active lives with little or no dating.

The limitations of the past were met with fury and disapproval in the past. Determined to optimize the ability of all to live an active and enjoyable life, change was initiated. Through the efforts of many organizations and groups, the Americans with Disabilities Act was instituted in 1990. Accessibility of transportation and large public venues were key issues addressed within this set of laws. The impact of this act has been enormous and has proven beneficial to improving the lives of those living with disabilities. It has also served to make the various issues of those with disabilities known to the public at large.

Over the last several years, the roads and doors of freedom have begun to open for those with disabilities. Mandated accommodations have been made to ensure equal accessibility to public transportation. These improvements have been made so that everyone can effectively get from place to place. Public venues such as parks, stadiums, coliseums, etc have also been required to take steps to grant easy access to all. Many restaurants and small businesses have opened their eyes to the millions of Americans with disabilities, and more see the great value in doing so each day. Public and private institutions have made great strides to ensure that all who wish to can take full advantage of their services. These actions have broken down many barriers, which once made dating nearly impossible for those living with disabilities. Dating is no longer a luxury available to only those without disabilities- it is a very achievable reality for all.

It has never been easier to get out and do something! A fair amount of planning is unavoidable, but little more than what anyone would reasonably be expected to prepare for any date. Public transportation, where available, makes it easy to get from point A to point B and cater to those who have disabilities. Dining, movies, events, concerts, shopping, and much more are among the possibilities. With a wide and constantly expanding range of options, the choices are virtually endless. Anyone can easily find something they will enjoy doing. Today, the eager world awaits you and your sweetheart with open arms- come on out and enjoy it.

The American Disability Association

History

The American Disability Association was created in 1991. Although the name of the organization implies that their reach extends to only to the fifty states within the United States, the envelopment of their cause goes far wider, stretching from Uruguay to Alaska, and their positive impact has been felt and acknowledged all over the world. Since its inception, the American Disability Association has been dedicated to improving the lives of people living with disabilities locally, nationally, and globally.

Intent

The intent of the American Disability Association is to offer information to people with disabilities, to increase the awareness and understanding of the general public of the issues faced by those within the community of disabled people, and to better the lives and increase the access to freedom of individuals, with disabilities and their entire community.

Sponsorship And Methods

The mission and goals of the American Disability Association are funded by the donations of individuals and through the sponsorship and partnership of private and public entities. By creating bonds between like-minded people and groups, the organization seeks to build healthy relationships based on free-sharing of information and understanding throughout the entire global community. The organization relies heavily upon the internet community to create bridges through which fruitful interactions can take place.

Achievements And Current Projects

In 1992, the American Disability Association launched ADAnet, an internet-based international community, aimed at serving the global community of people with disabilities, by creating newsgroups pertaining to disabilities. Through the great newsgroup expansion, the organization was able to influence the perfecting of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many of these groups are still very active today.

The American Disability Association worked from 1997 through 2007, to create a greater understanding of the relationship of diversity and disability and the impact one has on the other. Surveys received by every-day people with disabilities, led the organization to begin a documentary film entitled Disability in the Americas. Sadly, this effort was halted in 1998. The organization continues to believe in the benefit this project will offer and remains hopeful that this important work can be completed.

In 2010, the American Disability Association paired up with the US Census Bureau, to address the impact of the financial and economic statue of the nation upon people with disabilities. The organization also maintains a close partnership with the Special Victims Unit of the Department of Justice. In 2010 and 2011, The American Disability Association joined the RefleXions Image Discrimination Campaign in its effort to raise awareness of image discrimination.

Services For Those With Disabilities

In addition to its local, national, and global projects, the American Disability Association offers a wide range of information and resources, specifically for members of the community of individuals with disabilities. Information is made available through links on the organization’s website. This information can be utilized for purpose of educating people of the historical and present-day laws and rights, which apply to people with disabilities. The organization also offers links to various resources, such as public and private organizations, that offer assistance to individuals with disabilities.