 |
Yoshiko Dart
|
1) How would you describe the Disability Rights movement?
"Magnificent. It might be one of the last frontier movements in human development. It has a great potential to make a significant progress in human culture if we get united on global basis and lead it passionately and powerfully."
2) Why was Section 504 so important?
"It paved a way for the ADA and disability rights movement, particularly the protests covered by the national media brought public attention and awareness.
Justin attended one of the 504 trainings held in San Antonio in 1978 or 1979. He learned a lot, which prompted him to start thinking about a possibility for Americans with disabilities having a comprehensive civil rights law. He initially thought Americans with disabilities should be included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
3) What type of grass root movements were you involved in the 1980’s?
"In order to help set up an IL center in Austin with the grant money MIGHT received, we toured around the country and visited nearly 30 IL centers to learn about their success stories and failures alike in 1980. Having been an experienced businessman, Justin asked pointed questions. He became one of the board members of newly approved ARCIL – Austin Resource Center for Independent Living, and literally helped set up the first office. He secured a free space in one of the Episcopal churches in south Austin, used typewriter, office supplies, equipment and furniture donated by companies, family members and ourselves. The first director, who had written the successful grant application, lived in our home with a personal assistant, who also lived in our home.
At the same time Justin was constantly communicating with leaders in the disability movement across USA, and learned a lot."
4) We read that you and Justin Dart toured across the country to garner support for the ADA. What was the biggest challenge in getting support for the ADA?
"In the beginning we felt lack of interest and enthusiasm within the disability community. Some of our colleagues said, “We cannot enforce 504 successfully. How can we even talk/think about civil rights law for people with disabilities?" Many Democrats with disabilities were skeptical about the intention of Republican NCD wanted to do this. Not to mention opponents of civil rights in the US Congress and in the Administration."
5) What do you feel are the current challenges facing the disabled today from 3 aspects:
a. Economic – "dependent attitudes on the part of majority of disabled still persist; not enough quality employment opportunities, quality training, coordination and cooperation among stakeholders available/created; too many dependent on SS, SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid, etc."
b. Political – "dependent attitudes on the part of majority of disabled still persist; not well informed/educated about and/or not fully understanding their own political power to change political landscape/community/country; major media and politicians don’t pay attention to/have not realized a huge voting population of “sleeping giant” yet"
c. Social – "dependent attitudes on the part of disabled still persist by hoping/expecting somehow others should/will provide them what they need; lack of “I/We Can” mentality, understanding, fighting spirit and attitude"
"Magnificent. It might be one of the last frontier movements in human development. It has a great potential to make a significant progress in human culture if we get united on global basis and lead it passionately and powerfully."
2) Why was Section 504 so important?
"It paved a way for the ADA and disability rights movement, particularly the protests covered by the national media brought public attention and awareness.
Justin attended one of the 504 trainings held in San Antonio in 1978 or 1979. He learned a lot, which prompted him to start thinking about a possibility for Americans with disabilities having a comprehensive civil rights law. He initially thought Americans with disabilities should be included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
3) What type of grass root movements were you involved in the 1980’s?
"In order to help set up an IL center in Austin with the grant money MIGHT received, we toured around the country and visited nearly 30 IL centers to learn about their success stories and failures alike in 1980. Having been an experienced businessman, Justin asked pointed questions. He became one of the board members of newly approved ARCIL – Austin Resource Center for Independent Living, and literally helped set up the first office. He secured a free space in one of the Episcopal churches in south Austin, used typewriter, office supplies, equipment and furniture donated by companies, family members and ourselves. The first director, who had written the successful grant application, lived in our home with a personal assistant, who also lived in our home.
At the same time Justin was constantly communicating with leaders in the disability movement across USA, and learned a lot."
4) We read that you and Justin Dart toured across the country to garner support for the ADA. What was the biggest challenge in getting support for the ADA?
"In the beginning we felt lack of interest and enthusiasm within the disability community. Some of our colleagues said, “We cannot enforce 504 successfully. How can we even talk/think about civil rights law for people with disabilities?" Many Democrats with disabilities were skeptical about the intention of Republican NCD wanted to do this. Not to mention opponents of civil rights in the US Congress and in the Administration."
5) What do you feel are the current challenges facing the disabled today from 3 aspects:
a. Economic – "dependent attitudes on the part of majority of disabled still persist; not enough quality employment opportunities, quality training, coordination and cooperation among stakeholders available/created; too many dependent on SS, SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid, etc."
b. Political – "dependent attitudes on the part of majority of disabled still persist; not well informed/educated about and/or not fully understanding their own political power to change political landscape/community/country; major media and politicians don’t pay attention to/have not realized a huge voting population of “sleeping giant” yet"
c. Social – "dependent attitudes on the part of disabled still persist by hoping/expecting somehow others should/will provide them what they need; lack of “I/We Can” mentality, understanding, fighting spirit and attitude"
