The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was signed into law 30 years ago today.  I was there with my mom and daughter and several PCAs on the White House lawn for the signing by President George Bush.

Ten years later my mom spoke at the 10-year celebration, calling the ADA a Civil Rights Act. Two days later she died. Fifty-one years after becoming quadriplegic from Polio, 16 years after living on a ventilator, 4 years after her stroke, she died in her own bed in her sleep, just like she had wanted.

Much has been changed in the last 30 years, but so much more still needs to be done for people with a disability to have the same opportunities as someone without a disability.  Let us not forget, anyone of us could be one car accident away from a brain injury or a wheelchair.

Count your blessings, embrace and treat ALL people with respect and dignity.

Donna Robb

Governor Walz ADA Anniversary Message