Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act: 34 Years of Progress and Empowerment

By Adina Karten, Disability, Access, and Functional Needs Planning Coordinator, Office of Emergency Management.

Hi! I'm Adina Karten, the Disability, Access, and Functional Needs Planning Coordinator at the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. We are celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Let's take a moment to think about its impact and how to keep building on its promise.

The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a big step forward. It made sure that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else in work, public places, transportation, and communication. It was a major move towards a fairer society for everyone.

In my role, I work to make sure all Philadelphians have the resources they need before, during, and after emergencies. I focus on making sure everyone gets the support they need to function.

We use the CMIST Framework to help us plan. This tool helps us address common needs without focusing on specific conditions. Here's what we focus on:

• Communication resources:Making sure everyone gets information in a way they can understand.
• Maintaining health and medical resources:Providing access to medical care, supplies, and services.
• Independence resources:Helping people stay independent with personal assistance, adaptive equipment, and more.
• Support services and safety resources:Making sure support services are available and safety is ensured.
• Transportation resources:Ensuring there are accessible ways to get to safety and services.

I'm from Central Jersey but have called Philadelphia home since 2022, living with my service dog and two cats. I care deeply about equity and inclusion, and I'm proud to be part of a team making our city safer and more inclusive for everyone. I am particularly proud to help launch #ReadyPhiladelphia4U, our campaign to make Philadelphia's emergency alertsaccessible in 11 languages including American Sign Language. Make sure you sign up in your preferred language! ReadyPhiladelphia alerts keep you informed about severe weather and emergencies.

As we celebrate the ADA, let's remember how far we've come and the work still to be done. By pushing for and using inclusive practices, we honor the spirit of the ADA and move closer to a world where everyone lives with dignity and independence.

Thanks for celebrating this milestone with me. Let's keep moving forward, together!

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