ONLINE EVENT // The Americans with Disabilities Act, 30 Years Later

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 with a similar purpose to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, this expanded protections to those with a disability. In addition, it required accessibility for public buildings and for employers, educational institutes, etc. in providing reasonable accommodations. Generally perceived as a positive contribution towards equality, has its legacy been completely positive for the last 30 years? Also, what will the next 30 years look like?

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ADA, BAU and GPI have assembled highly qualified experts on Tuesday October 20, 2020, at 3:00pm (EST) for a webinar titled: 

Event Summary:

Tyler Cargill opened the panel by giving a brief history of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1900 (ADA). The first question, what does the impact of the ADA mean to them¸ was directed question towards Dr. Jackson. Dr. Jackson started by stating how it transformed the workplace and expanded on how an ADA coordinator at the workplace has “shifted the mindset of HR” in dealing with employees. Johnna Bryant agreed with him, especially when it concerns the current employer who needs accreditation. She then expanded upon the need to breakdown stereotypes. Ronald Thomas then gave the example of how he is working with the Washington, D.C. Board of Elections in making sure that they are in ADA appliance and, in the long run, “gets people to understand the importance in having a voice.”

The second question, regarding the struggle in creating tolerance and acceptance of those who do have a disability and/or want to register for accommodations, was answered by Johnna Bryant who stressed that in the discussion of diversity and inclusion, we must include disabilities. Dr. Jackson agreed and spoke about the training session from the Board of Elections where they showed films regarding interacting with individuals. He then expanded and stated how mindfulness towards those with disabilities is crucial.

Mr. Thomas started the third question, how to have and keep mindfulness, by stressing to make sure how people want to be addressed. Johnnie Bond commented on how you should put yourself in their viewpoints. Also, about asking the individual questions, including how they feel. Dr. Jackson then stated that “we need to research, and step out and say, ‘this is a person and [we] need to respect their space,” which may include not knowing how to approach in helping.

Mr. Bond was then directed a question by Mx. Cargill regarding what the future of the ADA looks like. He started by stressing that it becomes a common part of the workplace. Ms. Bryant then commented on how it should be fully integrated in the Civil Rights Act.

The panel ended with a question and answer portion.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduate of Temple University, Thomas is focused on raising awareness for Black differently-abled persons following an accident in 2008 that left him a double below-the-knee amputee mobile via the use of bionic prosthetics. A well-decorated community activist/advocate through his affiliation with the Amputee Coalition, service as an ADA Compliance Coordinator for the DC Board of Elections to ensure full access for DC residents differently-abled and mayoral appointment to the DC Statewide Independent Living Council, where he is serving a second term as treasurer, Thomas has an extensive non-profit background that includes over a decade of wearing many hats for The Al Sura Foundation (Al Sura, Inc.) in Washington, DC., a non-profit with advocacy and addressing various health disparities as its mission. Currently the Assistant Director of Finance and Administration at Smart Growth America (SGA), Thomas is able to also utilize his background in ADA Compliance to assist SGA with expanding its focus on “smart growth” to include initiatives & language that speak personally to the Black differently-abled community. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys chronicling his experiences via his soon-to-be relaunched blog “Handi-Capable 2.0 – The Cyborg Experience”.

Johnnie Bond graduated from University of Tennessee College of Law in 2002. During law school he worked as an associate lawyer at HCA Healthcare Company in its General Counsel Office. After law school, Johnnie took a job in the transaction practice group at Armstrong Allen, a large mid-south regional law firm based in Memphis, Tennessee. At Armstrong, Johnnie worked with James McLaren.

Dr. R. Tyrone Jackson is the Interim Director of the Human Resources for the District of Columbia Courts and has over 30 years of experience in the field of human resource management and administration. During his career, he has served as the Director of Human Resources in State, City and County leadership positions, where communication and interpersonal skills are vital to interpreting and developing policy, managing human capital, overseeing employee relations, talent acquisition, ADA administration, and developing staff. Dr. Jackson also served honorably in the United State Army and retired as a decorated military professional with the Pentagon as his last assignment.

He has an earned Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Development that highlight the years of solid experience he has obtained working with people on all organizational levels. He is also a graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Institute of Government, and the Center for Career Leadership. Additionally, Dr. Jackson is a senior certified professional by the Society for Human Resource Management and the International Public Management Association. He is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources by the Human

Resources Certification Institute. Dr. Jackson is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Johnna began her rise in the health care profession by working as a pharmacy technician and store clerk. She knew that helping and assisting others would be her calling, having observed the care her mother rendered as an emergency room nurse, and the attention to detail and customer focus of her father as a restaurant maître d.

Tyler Cargill, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Bay Atlantic University