HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ADA!

Hey there beauties, hope everyone is having a fantastic July! Here at Slick Chicks our month has been so busy and filled with many exciting things! Overall, the summer has been just peachy!!!

So, when you think about summer what comes to mind? Like most of us, you’re probably thinking of baby blue skies, warmer weather, trips to the beach, and summer parties. The summer also brings with it holidays like the Fourth of July, where we celebrated our wonderful country’s independence and the men and women who willingly sacrifice their own lives to ensure that our liberties are always protected. If you're anything like me, I know you feel an awesome sense of pride. Another thing that makes my heart swell with pride is that I am a disabled, active American woman who is fully living in today's society. I am so grateful for all the advances that have been made in both the medical and technical industries that make it possible for myself and others like me, who have a disability, to live both healthy and independent lives.

Year by year more progress has been made in the lives of people with disabilities. All of this progress, however, would not have been possible without the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A), signed into law on July 26, 1990 by former president George H.W. Bush. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life; including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

After decades of campaigning and lobbying, the ADA was passed to ensure the equal treatment and equal access of people with disabilities towards employment opportunities and public accommodations. The ADA intended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in: employment, services rendered by state and local governments, places of public accommodation, transportation, and telecommunications services.

About 56.7 million people — 19 percent of the population to be exact, live with disabilities. For those of you that are number buffs, that is 1 in 5 people who live, work, and play in communities across this wonderful country of ours.

In recognition of this special anniversary, all of us here at Slick Chicks want to take a minute to show our sincere admiration for all of you “chicks in chairs”. Everyday you show your abilities by being amazing “ roll models” to those around you, despite the challenges and/or barriers you face. Slick Chicks is on a mission to empower all women because we believe that EVERYONE has the potential for greatness (disability or not). The truth is that society has changed its outlook on the disabled population greatly over the past 27 years; however, there is still so much to be done. Yes, the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was and is a true milestone. George H.W .Bush even said it was “The opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic into the American mainstream”.

Everyday advocates like me and many others are working to make this vision a true reality. It is with some sadness I say we are not quite there yet. But with the help of companies, like Slick Chicks, who choose to focus on the abilities of women and their potential versus disabilities, I know that one day I will be able to say we have done it, we have reached a place and time where that mosaic President Bush spoke of 27 years ago today is complete! Until then we must work together and empower each other to strive for a world filled with inclusion, acceptance, and unity!  HAPPY 27th ANNIVERSARY A.D.A. Keep pushin’ everyone!

And ladies, as always, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, keep reading the blogs, and visit us on social media to stay updated on all the latest Slick Chicks news!

 

See ya in your skivvies!

xoxo,

Shannon & the Slick Chicks Team