Continuing the ADA Spirit
(Americans with Disabilities Act)
(This is a large web page. Downloading photos will be faster if you take the time to read the articles and scroll down accordingly to allow full download.)
It is nearly impossible to realize eighteen years ago the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed by President George H.W. Bush while being watched by hundreds of advocates in Washington, DC, and millions of Americans across our nation on television on July 26th. This year, adversity of modifications within Title II and Title III Discrimination Code, the continued need for all accommodations to meet or exceed ADA compliance, (providing they are readily achievable and feasible), across our nation and more recently, the "ADA Restoration", now known as the ADA Amendments Act, entering the United States House of Representatives for debate and final vote became a reality. The reality was indeed a victory when the final count was assessed:
From The New York Times (June 26):
House Votes to Expand Civil Rights for Disabled
By ROBERT PEAR
WASHINGTON - The House passed a major civil rights bill on Wednesday that would expand protections for people with disabilities and overturn several Supreme Court decisions issued in the last decade.
The bill, approved 402 to 17, would make it easier for workers to prove discrimination. It would explicitly relax some stringent standards set by the court and says that disability is to be "construed broadly," to cover more physical and mental impairments.
Supporters of the proposal said it would restore the broad protections that Congress meant to establish when it passed the Americans With Disabilities Act that President George Bush signed in 1990.
Lawmakers said Wednesday that people with epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and other ailments had been improperly denied protection because their conditions could be controlled by medication or were in remission…
Landslide Victory
This landslide is something all Americans should be proud of for several reasons: First there are our families, loved ones and friends who are stricken with various disabilities, then there are our active Military and Veterans who are or were in harm's way and millions who suffer with disabilities, and last there is the greater possibility and factual cliché, "Anyone can obtain a life-long disability in the blink of an eye or flash of a moment". In truth, the "victory" may have never been accomplished had thousands of people, our associated organizations and members not acted in the behalf of persons with special needs.
Taking all of this into consideration, it makes very good sense to celebrate the forthcoming ADA Anniversary signed into law in 1990, as biggest and best we can for our future of what lays ahead.
The 16th Anniversary of ADA in the City of Clarksville
July 26th, 2006
This is a monumental day and evening celebrated nation-wide by millions of Americans throughout our great nation because today marks the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and it is indeed an honor to have someone here with us this evening from the United States Department of Justice. I am certain all of us here this evening are honored to have Walter Atkinson, from the United States Department of Justice Community Relations Services, representing the services his department offers all Americans.
Discrimination is a nasty word and in reality, it is getting worse. Taking everything into consideration, there have been miles of progress made during the past 16-years, after the former President Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, fondly referred to as the "ADA" 16-years ago today. This was not a law that was easily obtained, and in fact, it took years of advocacy and thousands of individuals willing to lie down in the street if they had too. I was not one of them, because then, I could not move.
Many of the leaders of yesteryears are still with us today belonging to this highly visible and determined organization. Several members of Wheel Me On, are also connected with this organization, and where many of us may disagree with some of the tactics used; we all remember their greatest accomplishment of bringing reality to the happening of ADA, and previously, the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
As an advocate, I have had the opportunity on several occasions to work directly with and through the United States Department of Justice. In April 2001, our Caravan for Disability Awareness headed for Washington DC with over a 3500-mile journey, just to learn as much as we could about non-discrimination. One of our rewards for making the journey was receiving a proclamation from the Mayor. For well over 6-years the Department of Justice has been a direct link not only to Wheel Me On members, but to also millions of other Americans. By working with the Department of Justice, many of our members have been successful with obtaining access and solving problems of discrimination.
The greatest reward five members of Wheel Me On received was learning the United States Department of Justice had requested to speak to the United States Supreme Court Justices for ten-minutes, in behalf of the Petitioners during the 30-minutes allowed for their hearing at the United States Supreme Court on February 28th, 2005. Not only did I have the personal contact with many persons who worked for the United States Department of Justice, but also benefited in realizing so many individuals, whom I had not previously met in person, were also persons with disabilities. On June 6th of last year, the United States Supreme Court Justices ruled in favor of a case known as Spector et. al. VS. Norwegian Cruise Lines, Ltd., and today millions of Americans are benefiting from their decision. While I know, these petitioners had the best legal council available who spoke in their behalf, I also believe the decision of the United States Supreme Court Justices, had surely taken every word of the speaker from the United States Department of Justice into consideration.
Our residents in Clarksville all know of the suffering persons have experienced in our community and I am certain Mr. Atkinson will shed light on non-discrimination for the benefit of our entire community. Community relations between the City of Clarksville and their residents or visitors are extremely important for all of us to be aware about. On behalf of the members of Wheel Me On, our associate organizations, and fellow leaders for persons representing or with disabilities, I sincerely thank Mr. Atkinson for being here this evening, on the 16th Anniversary of the ADA, and look forward to learning more about the Community Relation Services of the Department of Justice.
Presented by Julia Hollenbeck at the Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library during a Public Meeting to members of the United States Department of Justice, Community Relations Services
Celebrating the 12th Anniversary of ADA
The national organization now headquartering their main office in Clarksville, had out-of-state members arriving from Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, and Texas for the event that included a barbecue dinner from an anonymous donor, and
several days before the event, Steve "Ashley" Crum began warming up his guitar for the Wheel Me On... Celebration of the 12th Anniversary of ADA on Saturday, July 27th, at Rotary Park in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Craig Shera, member of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association in New York, arrived a week early to help with orchestrating the final program events that enveloped into a 4-day program and on Thursday, Mike and Gabi Becker arrived with Mike's mother, 95-year old Rosie Becker (aka "The Beauty"), from Gurnee, Illinois. The same day his son, Anthony Becker, arrived with his assistant, Lupe, from Champaign, Illinois. Anthony's assistant, Lupe, turned chef for a hot dog roast on the same evening with Del Overby, Clarksville member.
The theme of this year's program was "What to Do with Lemons", geared to providing awareness on accessibility problems for people who used wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and on Friday, while waiting for other members to arrive, a mini-caravan headed for the newly constructed accessible fishing pier at Clarksville's Fairgrounds with four vehicles and then toured part of the city of Clarksville.
William S. Dillow, Vice-President of WMO, arrived from the WMO San Antonio location in Texas, the same afternoon, with his fiance, Marjorie May. Then David Musgraves arrived from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his wife, Alicia, in the evening, followed by Alicia's parents, Melvin and Vicci Johnson, from South Haven, Mississippi. (Musgraves 5-year old son, Duncan, had earlier arrived in Clarksville via Julia Hollenbeck, aka Grandmama.) By 8 o'clock, the party was in full swing with a steak barbecue by Chef Lupe, and Mike Becker strumming his guitar and singing.
This was just a warm-up for the following day because the gathering of 14 turned into nearly 70 people on Saturday, July 27th, for the actual celebration of the 12th Anniversary of ADA.
Jeff Young, Clarksville Member, and owner of Able Construction, had some help from his son, Bryan, and BM1 Musgraves to pitch the open-air tent cover contributed by Craig Shera, (from Gear to Go at Fort Campbell, Kentucky). Placed in a flat land area below a small hill for the safety of the attendees, it shaded the 95-degree heat expected.
While the park was accessible, the hilly landscape made it sometimes difficult for some wheelers, but there were plenty of volunteers on hand to help get them safely to and from the tent. A portable ramp was placed in front of a small pavilion, intended as a speaker's podium and additional picnic area for walkers.
It was interesting to learn Rotary Park is the first park in Clarksville to have a fully accessible playground further up the road from the location selected for the WMO program.
Longtime advocator for Wheel Me On... and local resident, Theresa Swaw, was on hand to help with a variety of tasks and last minute help (left). Bill Dillow, Vice-President of the Headquartering Office, arrived from San Antonio, Texas. In back of him, his fiance, Marjorie May visits with Alicia Musgraves. (Middle) Member Dan Calderon, FamilyNet Clarksville TV, was there to provide both the invocation and blessing of the meal provided by an anonymous donor who heard the organization was going to serve hot dogs and saved the day with a fantastic barbecue instead!
Clay "Night Eagle" Prest entertained members and guests during the initial set-up while people gathered with authentic American Indian stories and music he played by flute. The flute was made of River Cane, which was the original material used to make flutes by the America Indians. Mr. Prest carved and made his own flute. He has been actively involved with Native American Indian movements since his retirement in 1986.
Dan Calderon began the program with an inspiring invocation before the guest speakers were introduced. FamilyNet is the first and only television station in Clarksville. The station provides true family oriented programs to the community and surrounding cities in Tennessee.
Shane Ford, Marketing Manager, Custom Mobility in Nashville provided a detailed orientation of product availability for customized vans during the program, and offered a package of material for the guests during registration.
Patrice Barner, Representative for Tennessee's Telecommunications Devices Access Program, (TDAP) in Nashville, and WMO Director of Records, spoke about the Tennessee Regulatory Authority and how their program helped individuals with speech and hearing difficulties. Additionally, TDAP was one of the main sponsors who contributed a variety of informational brochures and small gifts for the audience.
Tom Hafford, (WMO Member) Membership Officer of the Mid-South Chapter for the Paralyzed Veterans of America drove up from Cordova, Tennessee, and was present to answer questions for new and existing members. The Mid-South Chapter covers four states including Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. (Photo on Right)
Steve (Ashley) Crum (Clarksville Member) provided entertainment with a combination of original songs he wrote and a few favorites while strumming his guitar and singing to the delight of the guests. (Photo on left) He also contributed a sound system for the function and surprised everyone with a song dedicated to Wheel Me On...
This was the second year Wheel Me On hosted a gathering for members and residents to help promote ADA awareness in Clarksville. The organization formed in 1998 in Houston, Texas, moved the main office to Clarksville in June last year.
Wheel Me On advocates for citizens across America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and a variety of non-military organizations. The goal to increase knowledge with awareness programs is dependent on volunteers, active membership, and sponsors.
Additional Board Members from the Headquartering office included Steve Traylor, Director of Operations, and his wife, Geneva Traylor, Director of Treasury, (Photo on Left), and Tony Oliver, a Clarksville member brought his little girl with him, who ended up with a lot of attention from several adults.
Craig Shera (Right) rolled around taking most of the photography shown here, while David Musgraves kicked back and visited with his wife's parents. Also contributing to these photos was Steve Chester, who attended the event with Tom Hafford, and Mike Becker from Illinois.
Julia Hollenbeck, the founder and president of the organization, pictured at left dripping in "silly string" she was attacked with, served as master of ceremonies.
Presented was a brief history of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), with a short commentary for the theme, "What To Do With Lemons", and described the ease in filing complaints of inaccessible facilities to the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.
(Hollenbeck's presentation follows.)
"What To Do With Lemons ~ ADA Awareness Program 2002"
Presentation by Julia Hollenbeck
In the late 1980's, businesses were scurrying to comply with mandatory regulations for compliance of a new Federal Code of Regulations, which would permit Americans with disabilities better access to their facilities. Controversy heard among close business associates, complaining about the new codes regarding accessibility, being confusing and unclear, is well remembered. Personal difficulties with walking, piqued curiosity, and the wonderment of what would unfold in time to meet the deadline became of great interest. On July 26th 1990, President George W. Bush's father, then President of the United States of America, signed the law into effect that became know to many, simply as "ADA".
In 1994, revisions of the Federal Code of Regulations from the Department of Justice made the laws clearer. There was now little doubt as to compliance, or how compliance was to be set in place. Each and every new year, there are more laws passed creating even greater accessibility. This is not happening because a lightening bolt has struck anyone, but rather because people finally started to state their complaints through the proper channels, and in many cases, attorneys willing to work with people experiencing unnecessary barriers, have made themselves available to help, on a contingency basis, and sometimes, even without charge.
Twelve years later, many of us continue to struggle with accessibility difficulties. We struggle with doors to access businesses, that are too heavy to open; inadequate parking, and spaces that are too small; hotels that do not have accessible rooms, or bathrooms we cannot enter; and aisles in department stores that are blocked with merchandise. Going out is sometimes worse than attempting to juggle five lemons at the same time.
One of the worst experiences discovered during recent years when traveling with an assistant, has been finding only one bed in an accessible hotel room with a roll-in shower. Travel during last year encouraged the filing of 33 complaints on separate hotels in several states with the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.
There are many stories yet to be told of how everything was brought together; the truth is it took just one individual to get the ball rolling. Had it not been for Justin Dart, an extremely motivated person, it is highly unlikely we would now be celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Justin Dart has moved on with the cycle of life, and left behind his tracks for all of us to follow. Whether we do what is expected in maintaining our rights as any other American Citizen is entirely up to us. However, it is quite clear that should any of us elect to ignore inaccessible facilities, those who follow in our own tracks will be left with the difficulties many of us faced in our own time.
Inaccessibility is like a sour lemon: A fruit that must be mature and ripened properly before it is placed on the market. Fortunately, we can return an unacceptable fruit, just like you would if you purchased a new car and discovered it was a "lemon". The Department of Justice in Washington, DC, has made the process unique, in that it is a simple procedure, and the only real requirement is patience. We are here today to tell you how simple it is and to give you a few hints on how to do it.
Wrapping up the Awareness Program was interesting in that Julia tossed a couple of lemons over to her son, David Musgraves. He picked them up and she asked him if he could juggle them. "Sure", he chanted. Then she tossed him a third, and he talently juggled three lemons. When the fourth and fifth lemon reached him, he stood there for a few moments with a quizzical look on his face.
"Now, can you juggle five lemons, David?" She asked. Her son tossed all five of them up in the air and let them fall to the ground, without attempting to catch a single one. The point made; people with or without a disability can seldom juggle five lemons at the same time.
Richard B. Treanor, Attorney At Law
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) succeeded in creating a future for American's with Disabilities to find gainful employment, opened doors for Americans to have access to the world, and paved a brighter future for millions of people who were physically, mentally, and sensory impaired.
This is life, this happens, but the ADA supports Americans with difficulties to help overcome the challenge of disabilities.
Their support makes it possible for all individuals with disabilities to have access to buildings and various functions.
The ADA has become an important national organization and paved the way for the Physically Challenged by providing laws to enabled the Physically Challenged to return to society.
However, ADA did not come upon us as a magical gift, it was bought with the struggles of many others who came before us year after year.
No one listened until 1976 when Section 504 of the regulations was issued by Secretary Joseph Califano and many years later, ADA actually began to take hold.
In 1989 corporations, retail and small businesses alike scrambled to adhere to the new laws making buildings and parking lots accessible.
Many were not completed in a timely fashion, yet only a few were fined in comparison to how many others were never caught.
Today, there are still businesses that operate without complying for the accessibility of the disabled even though it is well past the ten year birth of the laws.
The fact of the matter is that we owe much to the people who came before us, even though we still lack the one hundred percent of cooperation from store owners and businesses.
Had it not been for the people that were determined to overcome their struggles for independence, we would not have had the many barriers removed.
Few people are aware of the actual story of the Civil Rights for Disabled People and very little was written about it until Richard Bryant Treanor came along to help educate us.
Mr. Treanor was not exactly new to disability, he contacted polio in 1945 when still a young student and went on to graduate from Harvard Law School in 1956 while using a wheelchair.
It is unknown what prompted Mr. Treanor to write the story, "We Overcame" but without a doubt, it is a very powerful enlightenment to know the real story of the struggles that allowed all of us a brighter future.
The simple truth is that had it not been for many people, our laws today would not be.
WE OVERCAME should be read by every person and especially those of us who lack the understanding of the truth behind "The Story of Civil Rights for Disabled People". This book is available through this website.
The Spirit of the 10th Anniversary of the ADA Torch Relay
Houston = June 11th, 2000
Austin = June 13th, 2000
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) succeeded in creating a future for American's with Disabilities to find gainful employment, opened doors for Americans to have access to the world, and paved a brighter future for millions of people who were physically and mentally challenged.
The ADA supports Americans with disabilities. Their support makes it possible for all individuals with disabilities to have access to buildings and various functions. The ADA has become an important Federal Agency that has paved the way for persons with disabilities and provided laws that enabled all of us to return to society. It is a cause that I believe in and support via this web site.
Julia Hollenbeck
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary
of the Americans with Disabilities Act
On June 11th, 2000, The Spirit of the National ADA Torch Relay started with a procession of Americans with Disabilities on cycles at the foot of the Sam Houston Statue in Herman Park in Houston, Texas.
The torch that was lit in Atlanta in memory of Martin Luther King was to be brought to the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center on West Gray.
A quarter of a mile south of the center, I waited to retrieve this ADA Torch from another disabled American and attempt to stay within a three mile per hour speed limit, traveling with the Spirit of the National ADA Torch attached to my electric wheelchair to the Metropolitan building.
As the Spirit of the National ADA Torch Relay moved me further down the road, I moved onward by clipping thorns from stems of roses in my mind to keep my emotions under control, and breathed the delicate aroma of life to keep from shedding tears of joy of what ADA meant to me. At the Metropolitan building, the Torch was engaged to the Torch President Bush lit in February to begin the National Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act's 10th Anniversary in the year 2000.
Then a third torch, the Relay Torch, was lit by both the President Bush and Martin Luther King torches. The Relay Torch allowed many other disabled Americans to each have a turn relaying The Spirit of the National ADA celebration.
Removing thorns of disabilities and cherishing the rose has been an enlightening project, and one that I will long remember. These roses, they are all the same. Each one shares a beauty, each one bares a scent, and each one can be held. It took the Spirit of ADA to show the rest of the world what disability was all about and I am so glad that they did. It was not just a matter of providing accessibility to buildings, nor just a matter of removing barriers, or having bathrooms made available.
But it was also a matter of enlightening the rest of society that we did indeed exist and that we were roses too. The consequence of which many of us are no longer afraid to leave our sheltered homes; no longer are we shut off from the rest of the world. Though the truth of the matter is, there still remains work to be done because we still struggle with society and life in general and the ability to be free Americans, but the fact is we have overcome many obstacles, many barriers, and we all have learned great stamina.
Had it not been for ADA, we might still be just a thorn on the stem of a rose, but now as we join with the rest of our fellow Americans, our neighbors and our friends, they see us as another rose and no longer just a thorn. I wish I could travel with this Spirit of The ADA National Torch Relay to the other 23 cities across the nation, who were selected to be a part of the celebration to renew the pledge Americans made ten years ago. But I am proud, honored, and very happy to have been just a single rose mixed into a beautiful bouquet of other Houston roses sharing the same experience of celebrating this 10th anniversary.
My sincerest gratitude is extended to the National American Disabilities Act for making our garden grow and uniting us with the rest of society. The following article and pictures describe this remarkable event in the State of Texas.
Greg Joyce & Julia Hollenbeck discuss plans for the ADA Torch Relay
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, Houston, Texas
June 3rd, 2000
The Sponsors that Made it Happen in Houston
Alcoa Tool, Inc.
Ameri Group Corp
Baylor College of Medicine (Woman's Study)
Driver Rehabilitation Services
Freedom Wheels, Inc.
Garden Oaks
Catherine Gleitz
Houston Center for Independent Living (HCIL)
The Jones Family
Mayor's Committee (Employment of People with Disabilities)
Metropolitan Advisory Council
Dr. Donald Nino
JoAnn Priddy
REDI-QUIP (Medical Equipment & Supplies)
Rehab Specialties
Rotary Club of Space
Rotary Club of University Area
Edwim Rumsey
Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association (TPVA)
United Cerepalsy Adult Program
The Vasquez Family
The Contributors
Arabia Shrine Temple - Legion of Honor (Steve Frazier and Jack Katz)
Eller Media Company
Vernon R. Hickerson, I.L.S. Counselor, Texas Rehabilitation Commission
Houston Center for Independent Living (HCIL)
Independent Living Resource Utilization (ILRU)
Mayor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC)
Spirit Cookers
Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association (TPVA)
Wheel Me On...
The Roses Participating
| Jennifer Albert |
Troy Albert |
Dinah Knox Anderson |
| Walt Anderson |
Amy Armstrong |
Jerry Baker |
| Dora Blumenzon |
Kellie Buckles |
Ricardo Cedillo |
| Michael Champion |
Julie Collins |
Mario Caronilla |
| George Dunegan |
William Finch |
David Fowler |
| Andre Gaines |
Michael Garrett |
Denise Garza |
| Catherine Gleitz |
Kimberly Henry |
Vernon R. Hickerson |
| Julia Hollenbeck |
Michael Jackson |
Rebecca Johnson |
| Greg Joyce |
Karen Kingrey |
John Kloecker |
| Wayne Lake |
Anna Leon |
Lloyd Lindley |
| Pam Mackie |
Evo Marini |
Martin Martinez |
| Jesus Mendoza |
Michael Miller |
Thomas Allan Morris |
| Angela Panza |
Sopheak Pen |
Linda Pickle |
| JoAnn Priddy |
Noe Ramirez |
Robert Redman |
| Renee Roche |
Buddy Rogers |
Edwin Rumsey |
| Herman Seiter |
Gerald Stringer |
Soghra Tabrizi |
| Merrill Tutor |
Lorraine Vargas |
Leighton Weaver |
| Anita Weil |
Kevin Willis |
Jo Wright |
(And Many Others Who Arrived After This Posting)
Thank You!!!
Houston Torch Relay Event
June 11, 2000
On the morning of June 11th I woke early and quickly headed for a window in the kitchen to see if it was raining. The sky looked a little cloudy and as I dressed for the day, I worried it might rain. Bill Dillow arrived from San Antonio just before 9 AM to help load the van, accompany me to the Metropolitan Multi-Service Building, and photograph the Torch Relay event for Wheel Me On. I spied the largest silk rose I had ever seen poking through the doorway at me as I opened my front door to invite him inside.
My fears of rain quickly left my mind as I giggled at the rose and laughed at his antics. The two hours slipped by quickly while we prepared cameras, discussed plans for the day, and then started loading the van. During the 45-minute drive over to the Metropolitan building a few drops of rain landed on the windshield of the van and I groaned, but when I saw the banner proudly displayed on the front of the building, I no longer cared if it rained or not.
By the time we arrived, the Houston Metro-Lift Buses were arriving with participants in great succession and the people from ADA were already setting up. I was overwhelmed with the amount of people already there when I entered the lobby area and wondered if I was late. I glanced at my watch and saw that I was right on time and breathed a sigh of relief. Manipulating over to the check-in table to distribute sponsor and participant sheets was no easy task.
Considering the amount of people that arrived early in mass, it was no small wonder we were able to track down the ones who had already signed in and to catch up with the rest of the registration. In spite of the hurried experience, I had to laugh at the situation. We had brought two rolls of scotch tape to attach the sponsor sheets to the backs of the chairs (or tee shirts) and wished we had brought six.
Shortly after 1 PM we started ushering people out the door into the side yard of the complex. This procession of people dressed in their bright yellow ADA Torch Relay tee shirts was spectacular in itself. Even a canine assistant wearing an official ADA yellow tee shirt quietly strutted next to the side of his companion's wheelchair. As I watched these living roses in their bright yellow tee shirts, I could not help but remember the yellow rose I had left propped in my living room and wondered what made Bill Dillow choose yellow of all colors.
The anticipation in their expressions, the smiles on their faces, and the tears in some of their eyes told me more than any words could express. It was an unbelievable sight that no amount of rain would have spoiled for me or anyone else. I wondered why the word "disabled" even existed while I watched them head down the walkway, many unassisted and several with companions.
Everyone lined up along the sidewalk near the tent that would provide the ceremonies dedicated for this special event. At my last count there were 60, when I had run out of sponsor/participant sheets. Later I learned there were nearly one hundred people that actually participated. Tracy McCall and Bridgette Soskin, from the ADA Relay Crew, attached an apparatus to my wheelchair to hold the torch for me.
The Spirit of the ADA National Torch Relay began as Steve Frazier and Jack Katz from the Arabia Shrine Legion of Honor began The Posting Of The Colors with the American Flag and the Flag of the State of Texas. Then Vernon R. Hickerson, I.L.S. Counselor from Texas Rehabilitation Commission, gave a meaningful invocation. A few moments later, Tracy and Bridgette came to usher me to my starting position a quarter of a mile away from the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. They accompanied me to the street light and the three of us waited at the corner of the intersection for the team of cyclists to bring the ADA torch that was lit in honor of Martin Luther King in Atlanta for this 10th Anniversary of ADA.
In a few moments, I heard the sirens of the police escort and my clue to head out into the road had arrived. At the intersection, and in the middle of the street, I pulled in front of the cyclists to receive the torch that reminded me of what ADA had accomplished over the past decade.
Tracy and Bridgette walked within my peripheral vision so I would not exceed the speed limit of three miles per hour. I was pleased to have them on each side of me because I felt like turning the speed up on my wheelchair and zipping in front of the ADA truck and police escorts. I would have liked to have gone as fast, and as far as I could while shouting to the world that I was indeed, just like anyone else. And I was carrying the torch to proof it: The torch that was lit in Atlanta in memory of Martin Luther King!
But, I contained and controlled both my emotions and myself. Tracy and Bridgette kept asking me how I was and how I felt. "Excited', I responded, 'what a thrill this is!"
Too soon I arrived at the front entrance of the Metropolitan Center and a camera crew came to interview me. During the interview I could barely concentrate on what to say. My golden opportunity had arrived and I was nearly tongue-tied. All I could think about were the cyclists in back of me…they were the one's who brought me the Torch for the Americans with Disabilities. I was only the person who was to take it to the inside of the center for 90-plus other people waiting for their turn to be in the relay. Shortly after the interview, it was time to take the torch into the area where the celebration was being held.
This short distance around the outside of the building and down a short walkway, before turning to make my final approach to relay the torch, was my longest journey. I felt the tears well in my eyes and quickly started clipping more thorns. Doug Drey faced me, waiting to retrieve the Martin Luther King Relay Torch. I heard the people clapping, felt the eyes of those who could see, and the hearts of others whom could not, as I patiently waited for the torch to be removed from the holder on my wheelchair by Tracy and Bridgette.
In the moments ahead, the ADA Torch that honored Martin Luther King was engaged to the ADA Torch held by Greg Joyce from the Texas Paralyzed Veterans, lit by President Bush in February for the start of this national event. Then, these two torches ignited the official ADA Relay Torch that gave the honor to the city of Houston of being the first city in the United States to start the actual relay. The ADA Relay Torch was placed in a holder on Greg Smith's wheelchair, who is a radio personality in Houston, Texas. Greg Smith began the relay for the approximate next 90 people.
There was music played, singers, and a variety of entertainment. There were so many people that I wanted to thank and many more that I wanted to meet. I found myself so busy meeting, greeting, and visiting that I no longer had any more thorns to clip. The festivities kept going as I wheeled among old and new friends. I checked out the Volkswagen Van, kidded with their people, and then won myself a Volkswagen tee shirt on a spin machine. It was a beautiful experience and a party I will remember forever.
Bill Dillow came over and suggested we get something to eat inside the center and later return to the festivities. As I looked around this large room, I wondered what was wrong with the rest of society and the so-called "able-bodied" that missed this celebration. Why were there so few that are unable to realize we are no different than anyone else? The interesting thing about this experience is never once did I hear anyone complain of their pain, their health, or even discuss what was wrong with them unless they were asked.
These uncomplaining roses simply just kept blooming, moving forward, and accepting their lives. And that, is the beauty of the rose.
When I returned outside, I visited with a number of people and after everyone had the opportunity to relay the torch, a few of us asked for another opportunity to hold this symbol that meant freedom for Americans with Disabilities. Then I realized ADA and Volkswagen were starting to pack up and Bill needed to head back to San Antonio. I hated to admit it was time for me to head home too. Saying good-bye to the few people remaining was difficult to say the least, especially my new friends from ADA.
As I drove home I realized there was only one thing wrong with the entire event and that was the fact that few, very few so-called able-bodied people were there. In spite of this realization, I also realized how much the rest of the world missed by not attending this celebration and then I wondered if it was I that was suddenly feeling sorry for them. Everything appeared to me to be in reverse. I did not say anything to Bill about my thoughts because I already knew he was thinking the same thing.
After all, he was a trained professional. His wife, the mother of his three children, was paralyzed for 40 years before she passed away of complications from postpolio a few years ago. When we got back to my house, he unloaded the van for me and told me to get in my recliner. Then he handed me the rose before heading out the door for his three-hour drive back to San Antonio.
Photography on the foregoing article contributed by:
William Dillow, San Antonio, Texas for Wheel Me On
Jeff Borgnes, Photographer for I CAN ON LINE
Bob Redman, Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association (TPVA)
Continuing with the ADA Relay
The State Capitol
Austin, Texas
June 13th, 2000
Two days following the ADA Torch Relay that began in Houston Texas, I could not resist witnessing The Spirit of the National ADA Torch Relay in the second city selected for this National event and drove 170 miles to Austin for the sake of being there. While Bill Dillow had a mere 80 miles to drive from San Antonio, he was there at seven in the morning to avoid traffic, (two hours before my arrival) and help photograph the event for Wheel Me On. Parking was by no means a problem with a large covered parking area that had a high ceiling clearance. I parked the van and headed over to the Northside of the Capitol.
Spectators formed a semicircle around the photographer crews but it was not difficult for me to locate my favorite ADA Relay Crew Members or Jeff and Nicole from iCan. The ceremony began with the Posting of the Colors by a local Boy Scout Troop and a song sung of "America the Beautiful" with spectators joining after the first verse. Several speakers from Texas Rehabilitation Commission greeted the audience and gave words of encouragement for the disabled and gratitude to ADA. I grabbed the digital camera and started shooting while Bill took video clips.
As the speeches ended, I slowly moved over to the Northside of the Supreme Court Building, in front of a miniature of The Statue of Liberty. Here; I hoped I would see at least one of the relays being performed, but as it worked out, I received quite a bonus. From another walkway, Tracy appeared with a fellow relay crew member carrying the ADA Relay Torch and rounded the corner in front of the statue.
Within a few short minutes the National ADA Relay Torch was approaching the first relay participant. My suspicions were correct. The transition took place in front of the miniature of The Statue of Liberty!
I watched the team of participants slowly pass me and round the corner to the next relay person. There were about 30 participants that would relay the ADA Torch to one another. These participants were spaced within a three mile stretch between the State Capitol and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission building where the final destination for the Relay Torch was located, until it moved to the next city and state.
I sat there for a few minutes as they disappeared from view and Andrew Imparato, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) stopped by to visit with me for a few minutes. As I turned to leave and glanced at the rose gardens, I found myself searching for thorns. I saw only the roses.
Note: Wheel Me On... does not warrant Google Sponsor ads will be in ADA compliance or support web page content.
