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“Back in the '80s, we didn't think about the Independent Living movement being a civil rights thing.” With the introduction of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation prior to its passage in 1990, says Al Tolbert, “the Independent Living…

“I was learning something about that Title and how we could apply it to the community in which we lived in and how it can help people's lives.” When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed, Betty Williams wanted to learn more about how the…

"It is something that is going to change minds as well as break down the barriers," states Ric Edwards on the impact of the ADA. He goes on to explain, “The most significant change has to be the mindset that has been changed because that has much…

“I've seen some things change, a lot of things change for the better,” says Al Tolbert of the disabilities rights movement. In 1971, Al was in a training accident in Germany that left him paralyzed. After his accident, Al got involved in the…

“He was very gracious, and he was definitely a character.” That is how Ric Edwards described Justin Dart. Ric shares a story about the first time he met Justin Dart. He says, “I didn’t know anything about him but by his reputation.” Ric found their…

“Justin Dart was really something else,” recalls Christine Dahlberg. She discusses how at each town hall meeting he attended throughout the country, Justin made sure to acknowledge everyone’s efforts in regards to the ADA. Christine says, “I thought…

"After the regulations passed, there was a big infusion of federal dollars to train people, mainly people with disabilities and other advocates on their rights, their new rights under the ADA," explains Christine Dahlberg. The Disability Rights…

“We actually heard from a number of different people in a lot of different communities,” explains Ric Edwards of the town meetings held when Justin Dart visited Indiana. Christine Dahlberg discusses the Indiana Governor's Council for People with…

"Advocating for disability issues is a broad topic. And when you advocate, you don’t advocate for people with a particular disability, your advocacy affects everyone with a disability,” Christine Dahlberg remarked in 2009. Then Deputy Director of the…

“I learned that there were more than just rights," recalled disability advocate Karen Vaughn of the era immediately after passage of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). "We had civil rights on just about every level.” After acquiring a…