Dignified access is a MUST and not an AFTERTHOUGHT!
Judy has played a vital role in the development and implementation of several legislations and policies including the following that paved way for dignified access for millions of disabled people:
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 extending civil rights to disabled people.
- American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensuring children and students with disabilities are provided free appropriate public education.
- Expansion of the Fair Housing Act in 1988 protecting disabled people against housing discrimination.
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an international human rights treaty of the United Nations, intending to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
These above legislations and policies have had an immense meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities in the US and worldwide in terms of access to education, public services, and the built environment. Now, society better understands disabilities, both visible and invisible, and societal attitudes towards disabled people have changed significantly from discrimination to inclusion.
The highly positive impact of Judy's work is felt by people with and without disabilities. For example, curb cuts were created because of the ADA, but we all use them and find them highly convenient! We should thank Judy for her immense courage, determination, tenacity, dedication, and tireless work in making the world a better place not only for disabled people, but for everyone!