Access ETSU is looking for students who would like to be BucMates (peer mentors).
BucMates are the primary daily support for Access ETSU students in academic, vocational
and social contexts. Any ETSU undergraduate or graduate students interested in accessibility,
inclusivity, equity and disability justice are encouraged to apply, regardless of
course of study. For more information, or to submit an application, visit Access ETSU's website.
JOHNSON CITY – July 26 is recognized across the country as Disability Independence Day, but East Tennessee State University works every day to ensure that individuals with disabilities are given equal opportunities on campus and in their communities.
On this day 32 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Divided into five sections that relate to different areas, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas
of public life. The landmark legislation has served as the de facto bill of rights
for tens of millions of Americans by securing their access to economic and civic opportunities.
With the emergence of social movements surrounding civil rights in the 1960s came
the inklings of grassroots efforts to shift the narrative surrounding the topic of
disabilities, and thus, the American Disability Movement began in earnest. Efforts
from those advocating for access to equal opportunities slowly began to lead to policy
changes to better support the needs of those with disabilities.
Perhaps one of the most important catalysts for change began April 5, 1977. Disability
advocates arrived at a planned protest in San Francisco. Over 100 protestors entered
the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, unpacked the belongings
they had brought with them, and began what still remains the longest non-violent occupation
of a U.S. federal building in history: the 504 Sit-In. Twenty-three days later on
April 28, 1977, while the 504 Sit-In was still occurring, Section 504 was added to
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, legally protecting the rights of individuals with
disabilities to participate in, and have access to, programs and benefit services
funded by the federal government.
This laid the groundwork for the ADA.
First introduced in 1988, the ADA was drafted to build upon the systemic progress
set into motion by the Rehabilitation Act. Its defining difference, however, was that
unlike the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA sought to expand the rights of those living
with disabilities in a single, sweeping move. On July 26, 1990, the ADA passed with
strong bipartisan majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (327-28) and the U.S.
Senate (91-6).
“ It is the world's first declaration of equality for people with disabilities by
any nation... ADA opens the doors of opportunity for millions of isolated, dependent
Americans to become employees, taxpayers and welcome participants in the life of their
communities."
While the ADA both acts as and represents the progress made towards creating a more
equitable society, there is still much work to be done.
The stereotype that people with disabilities cannot meaningfully contribute in the
workplace, for example, is a falsehood that is likely unable to be dealt with solely
within the hands of the law.
At East Tennessee State University, faculty and staff with Access ETSU are working to correct this view.
Access ETSU offers supplemental support to young adults with intellectual disabilities
who seek to enhance their academic development, their career development, and social
skills alongside their peers. A number of faculty and staff have dedicated their work
to opening the doors to students who traditionally did not have access to postsecondary
education on campus.
Their work on campus does not end on campus. In partnership with area school systems,
local agencies and the ETSU community, Access ETSU Connects students to opportunities
that will prepare them not only for competitive, integrated employment, but enhanced
life outcomes.
Sources:
https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/sitting-disability-rights-section-504-protests-1970s
https://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=1413parent=parent_title=