ADA’s 20th is Reminder of Battles Still to Come

ATLANTA — This week marks the 20th anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Signed July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the federal
civil rights law protects individuals with disabilities from
discrimination and provides for equal access and opportunity.

Commemorating the event, Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., a
quadriplegic, presided over the House via a new mechanical lift for
access to the speaker’s rostrum. On the other side of the country,
194 people in wheelchairs formed the letters ADA at Dodger Stadium
in Los Angeles. In an effort spearheaded by the Christopher &
Dana Reeve Foundation, they also broke the Guinness world record
for most wheelchairs in a moving line. Celebration of the historic
law will continue throughout the summer.

The U.S. Census estimates that of the 54 million people who have
a disability, 11 million need personal assistance with everyday
activities, 3.3 million (15 and older) use a wheelchair and another
10 million use a walking aid such as a cane, crutches or
walker.

Many of those receive equipment and care from the HME community,
noted Tyler Wilson, president and CEO of the American Association
for Homecare.

“It’s important to recognize the opportunities that ADA has
created for millions of people, and at the same time, we need to
focus attention on the battles still being fought on behalf of
Americans living with disabilities,” Wilson said.

“Congress and the Medicare program, which serves this
population, have adopted a number of policies that are making it
more difficult than ever for Medicare patients to receive vital
home medical equipment and services.”

While HME and related services are essential for patients who
want to remain independent rather than receiving care in nursing
homes or other institutions, Wilson said “misguided programs and
policies in Medicare — such as the ‘competitive’ bidding
program and elimination of the first-month purchase option for
power wheelchairs — will hamper access to care.”

The ADA should serve as a “reminder and inspiration,” Wilson
said. “We need to remind the public and policymakers about the
independence we help to preserve but also continue to educate
Congress and CMS of the access problems that still exist.”

For more about ADA 20th anniversary celebrations and how your
HME company can support local events, see http://adaanniversary.org/.

To contact members of Congress about DMEPOS competitive bidding
or other industry issues, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at
202/224-3121. The operator will connect you directly to your
legislator’s office.