"Learn from Experience, Lead by Example"
Thirty-five years ago, President George H.W. Bush stood on the South Lawn of the White House and declared, “Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” With the stroke of his pen, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became the most transformative civil rights legislation for Americans with disabilities in our nation’s history.…
During October, our state and country celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month. This has been an ongoing activity since 1988, which was two years before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. Work, as we all know, is the gateway to freedom, independence, and self-sufficiency. However, for persons with disabilities (PWDs) full-time employment in an…
Wakulla Springs State Park: An Inclusive Journey “My journey continued to Wakulla Springs State Park, renowned for its pristine waters and abundant wildlife. I embarked on an accessible jungle river tour boat, accompanied by JR Harding and his wife. JR, who uses a power wheelchair, provided a profound insight into the necessity of inclusivity in…
As the nation celebrates the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we Floridians have much to be proud of. The ADA’s equal-opportunity principles do not discriminate regarding ethnicity, religion, identity, and/or gender. Disabling conditions will most likely be a part of you or someone in your family’s journey. Research examining ADA’s impact has found…
During the 2024 legislative session, Florida elected officials missed an opportunity to advance home ownership and to codify the added value of spouses of quadriplegics. Marriage is a partnership that makes life goals like home ownership, raising a family, and active participation in the community a reality for everybody. This truth is even more significant for quadriplegics…
Celebrated disability advocate and author, FSU’s Dr. JR Harding, discusses his world travels, and why he thinks everyone needs an adventure. Dr. Harding is a recognized disability leader with over 37 years of personal and professional experiences within the disability community. He is a two-time US Presidential appointee, seven-time Florida gubernatorial appointee, and has made…
Imagine a world where you cannot independently cross the street, find a house to buy, or secure employment – I can. As a two-time quadriplegic, I have 40 years’ worth of adaptive living experience in a world that was not built for individuals living with disabilities. Worse, many of my fellow citizens have negative pre-conceived…
Rish Park is one of the few outdoor parks with accessibility as its primary mission. It was nearly five years ago when Hurricane Michael blasted the shores of the Panhandle. The bullseye for this CAT 5 storm was Mexico Beach, St. Joe Bay, and our beloved Rish Park. The devastation across this stretch of Florida…
I read with great trepidation the article on “More EV Charging Stations Coming to Tallahassee”. My concern was not that TaMaryn Waters was not fair or accurate, but we have not seen any material change from the industry about including all drivers within this transportation innovation. EV stations are popping up not only in Tallahassee,…
Nestled between the crystal-clear waters of St. Joseph Bay and the sugar-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the William J ‘Billy Joe’ Rish Recreation Area provides a barrier-free experience to the great outdoors. Rish Park, encompassing 100 acres, was uniquely designed in the 1970s for individuals with disabilities and their families, and the park was managed…