Letter: Celebrating 27tth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

To the Editor:

Anniversaries are celebrated with various forms of recognition. July 26, 2017 marks the 27tth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA guarantees equal access to those of us with disabilities. How should this anniversary celebrated? The ADA was passed because Americans with and without disabilities joined forces with the goal of ensuring that federal legislation would be set in place that eliminated discrimination against people with disabilities. Legislators passed the bill, but people made it happen. Ever since the GOP released its version of healthcare reform, Americans of all abilities are once again joining forces to oppose these draconian reductions to this program. Medicaid serves as the lifeline for citizens who cannot afford or do not have employer-sponsored health insurance. Millions of these individuals are children. Perhaps this year's theme should be: Power Lies with People. Medicaid also helps support Money Follows the Person, a program that assists people with disabilities move from costly, and often inhumane, institutions into their own residences. Study upon study has shown that in-home assistance is less costly than institutionalization.

The 1999 Olmstead Decision's implementation will be at risk. The US Supreme Court ruled that confining people with disabilities in institions was a violation of their civil rights under the ADA. Without support from Medicaid, thousands of people with disabilities will be forced to remain incarcerated in institutions. What is thrilling for me is seeing thousands of activists holding protests at the offices of federal GOP legislators. Some hold "Die-Ins" demonstrating the real possibility that people may die if Medicaid is reduced. We must continue to fight back. No one is exempt from needing Medicaid at some point in their lives. Let's continue using our collective power to ensure full inclusion for people with disabilities in all areas of life, including health insurance.

Pam Heavens, Joliet