vimeo.com/.../436888534

Captions for Video Interview

0:00 IÕm Art Blaser from Orange, California (South of Los Angeles. The first question had to do with my background and when I became aware of the ADA. Like with a lot of people, I became much more aware of the ADA when I became disabled, in 1993 as the result of a brain stem stroke. Major issues for me included access to my home and access to my job. One seemingly trivial matter that was a major concern was curb cuts in my neighborhood. In theory, under the ADA, there were supposed to be there, but were not until 1997.

1:25 The spirit of the ADA, of equal access, was sometimes broader than the practices, but very important in bringing about the changes that meant so much to me. Access to buildings and being able to continue teaching with the aid of computerized assistive technology were very important in my continuing to work at Chapman University, where IÕve worked since 1981. This wouldnÕt have been possible decades ago. Colleagues also became more aware of inequalities and realized: Òthis isnÕt supposed to happen.Ó IÕve been privileged to coordinate ChapmanÕs Disability Studies minor, and to become familiar with the so called ÒADA generationÓ of students who grew up with the ADA. As with California law, realizing the spirit is more likely when people act. The spirit of the ADA helps in making the world a better place, usually.

4:20 A challenge weÕll face in the future that is developing now will be ensuring that the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 do not recur. The high death rate in nursing homes needs to be of concern to everyone, and we need to do better at providing opportunities to live in the community rather than in congregate settings. The Olmstead case was very important in establishing the right to live in the community under the ADA, and independent living centers are playing important roles in people moving from nursing homes to the community. In Orange County, IÕve been privileged to serve as a board member of the CountyÕs Independent Living Center, the Dayle McIntosh Center. This needs to be a priority, not only in the US but also everywhere that is experiencing high death rates in nursing homes.

Another factor is the large number of people, now particularly younger people who are testing positive for COVID-19 but ÒrecoveringÓ at a higher risk for stroke and multiple sclerosis. Members of the disability community are well-versed in demonstrating that a high quality of life is possible, and society and government need to provide support that makes this possible.

8:48 The most important steps involve education, broadly conceived. Beginning in child care, people are aware of human differences, and education continues throughout the lifespan, not only to schools but also through religious organizations and entertainment media. Increasing visibility of disabled people, expressed through different organizations, is invaluable. Colleges and universities play an important role, especially when they value input from disability organizations and learned experiences of disabled people. Projects such as the Disability Visibility Project help in publicizing disabled voices and colleges and universities can help by calling attention to those voices rather than trying to offer expertise in how others should live.