Viewpoint: Let's Continue The Fight
On a cold and wet March 5th morning, hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, family members and advocates gathered at the Liberty Plaza for the 17th annual Disability Day at the Capitol. While we were cold and wet, our enthusiasm was not dampened. Those in the crowd cheered, sang, clapped and marched as speakers presented news about what is happening in Georgia and what the future might look like.
I would be remiss if I did not thank GCDD members, staff and volunteers for their hard work in putting this effort together. They spent many hours preparing for the rally and organizing exhibits, t-shirt pick up, lunch and other activities at the Freight Depot. Their hard work was appreciated by most. However, several staff members from provider organizations were rude, used inappropriate language and made our jobs difficult.
Disability Day is about showing strength in numbers in the spirit of community. For those who understand this message, we thank you. For those who do not, we hope you reflect on the true meaning of Disability Day before you attend next year.
The theme this year was “Fulfilling the Promise of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)” and celebrating the 25th anniversary of this civil rights legislation for people with disabilities. Much progress has been made and yet we still come up short when it comes to equal rights for people with disabilities. Many are still warehoused in institutions and nursing homes. Many still do not have jobs and many are still isolated in communities with only paid staff as friends. Yet as Governor Nathan Deal commented, we are making progress in getting more students on college campuses. We are working to get children out of nursing homes and the possibilities seem endless.
But we must continue to fight. As US Rep. John Lewis said in his video message to the crowd, “We must continue to get in the way and cause good trouble.” That is our role and must be central to the strategies that we use to continue creating a better place for everyone. We must continue to fight for more funds and Medicaid waivers. GCDD fought successfully with others for passage of medical marijuana legislation to help children and others live normal lives. We must make sure that staff is paid a living wage so that the threat of poverty is removed not only from people with disabilities but all Georgians. This is the kind of trouble we must make and we must get in the way of those who keep us from achieving this effort.
Over the next few months, Atlanta will host several national and international conferences related to disability in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ADA and the opening of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Let’s show the world once more why Atlanta is such a great and welcoming city.
Remember that GCDD is here to assist you. Check out our website and join our social media and advocacy networks so that you can stay informed. We hope you enjoy reading this magazine. Let us know your thoughts and comments about the magazine by writing to Valerie Suber at .
Eric E. Jacobson
Executive Director, GCDD
Tags: Making a Difference, viewpoint