Q&A with Board Member Barbara Dirks
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Board member Barbara Dirks shared a few of her reflections on her life before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and her life now as a person who uses both crutches and a wheelchair. This month marks the 30th Anniversary of the ADA, a landmark civil right law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.
Q: HOW HAS YOU LIFE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE ADA?
When I am out and about, I now can get around an area easier because there are curb cuts, and most buildings have ramps and elevators that allow me easier access. I can also get on a bus and train without as much difficulty as in the past.
Q: WHAT WAS YOUR EVERY DAY LIFE LIKE BEFORE THIS LANDMARK ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW WAS IN PLACE?
You have to understand that my high school did not have elevators or ramps and some of my classes were held on the 2nd floor and others were outside in portable classrooms. Getting from one class to another meant navigating a number of stairs everyday. Because we only had about five minutes to get from one class to another, I didn't have time to stop for anything between classes — I didn't have time to drop off books at my locker, socialize with other students in the hallways, or stay after class a few minutes to ask a teacher questions.
That wasn't fair, and, because I was always on the "run" to get to class, I feel like I missed out on some things. Not to mention, I was usually very tired by the time I got into class from having to hustle from one place to another.
Q: AFTER YOU GRADUATED COLLEGE YOU WENT SEARCHING FOR A JOB, WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE?
Before the Americans with Disabilities Act, not only did I face bias and discrimination in the workplace, but I didn't feel like I had the law on my side.
On one occasion when I was applying for a human resources position, I was asked to prove that I could take mail from the office to the mail room, which was across the parking lot. I believe that no other applicant was asked to do the same. This job responsibility was not even a major function of this position.
I was so upset because I had gone to college, and had carried books from one end of campus to another. I also had a child, and I had figured out how to carry him from one room to another (baby carriages work well). I usually figured a way of doing difficult physical tasks. I was so insulted that someone would look at me and assume I cannot do something just because of my disability.
Anyway, I grudgingly did it. I eventually did get the job, but it was discouraging to have to prove myself to do a function that I only did rarely.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY FINAL THOUGHTS TO SHARE?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is the law, but we've still got a lot further to go. That's why I'm glad that organizations like Disability Rights Oregon are here to enforce our rights. My hope is that no person with a disability will face bias like I did.
