ADA's 20th is Reminder of Battles Still to Come

ATLANTA — This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Signed July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the federal civil rights law protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and provides for equal access and opportunity.

Commemorating the event, Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., a quadriplegic, presided over the House via a new mechanical lift for access to the speaker's rostrum. On the other side of the country, 194 people in wheelchairs formed the letters ADA at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. In an effort spearheaded by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, they also broke the Guinness world record for most wheelchairs in a moving line. Celebration of the historic law will continue throughout the summer.

The U.S. Census estimates that of the 54 million people who have a disability, 11 million need personal assistance with everyday activities, 3.3 million (15 and older) use a wheelchair and another 10 million use a walking aid such as a cane, crutches or walker.

Many of those receive equipment and care from the HME community, noted Tyler Wilson, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare.

"It's important to recognize the opportunities that ADA has created for millions of people, and at the same time, we need to focus attention on the battles still being fought on behalf of Americans living with disabilities," Wilson said.

"Congress and the Medicare program, which serves this population, have adopted a number of policies that are making it more difficult than ever for Medicare patients to receive vital home medical equipment and services."

While HME and related services are essential for patients who want to remain independent rather than receiving care in nursing homes or other institutions, Wilson said "misguided programs and policies in Medicare — such as the 'competitive' bidding program and elimination of the first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs — will hamper access to care."

The ADA should serve as a "reminder and inspiration," Wilson said. "We need to remind the public and policymakers about the independence we help to preserve but also continue to educate Congress and CMS of the access problems that still exist."

For more about ADA 20th anniversary celebrations and how your HME company can support local events, see http://adaanniversary.org/.