It’s the 31st Anniversary of the ADA, and I’m an Accessibility Consultant Now
by Beth
Today is the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and this year I’m celebrating it with the fishes.
The Shedd.
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium contacted me last month to let me know about new ticketing kiosks with accessibility features they’d be installing soon. “We are hoping you’d be interested in assisting us in testing out the accessibility functions of our kiosks,” they wrote, explaining the process might require two separate visits. “We might only need an hour to start, and then we would probably bring you back for another session, after we make any of your recommended revisions.”
Of course I said yes.
It only dawned on me this past week that the day we chose to meet – Tuesday, July 27 – is just a day after the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the spirit of that groundbreaking legislation, the Shedd Aquarium never expected me to volunteer my time for this project. They never assumed I am a disabled person sitting around at home with nothing to do. They actually respect my experience and will pay me for my work.
I’ve been to the Shedd many times before – attended the dolphin show with nieces and nephews, spoke on disability-related panels there, attended a wedding there, went multiple times to hear combos perform at “”Jazzing at the Shedd.” Lately I’ve been toying with heading over there sometime to maybe, just maybe, touch a stingray. Saying goodbye to you all now to ponder what a freelance accessibility consultant wears to a gig at a cool place like Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Will leave you with this info about the option to touch a stingray there:
How do you think a stingray feels? Soft, like a pillow? Squishy, like a marshmallow? How about scratchy, like sandpaper? There’s only one way to find out — at Shedd’s Stingray Touch experience.
Dip your hand into a shallow tropical pool and discover the unique texture and movement of a school of stingrays as these fascinating fish glide through the water in Shedd’s first outdoor environment. You’ll also learn how we care for all of the stingrays living at Shedd and how your actions can protect them in the wild.
Kudos to the Shedd for making visitors who have disabilities feel so welcome there, and also for their continuing efforts to leave everyone who visits with ways to help the environment. Looking forward to my trip over there Tuesday.
August 23rd, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Happy Anniversary! IS anybody here familiar about how to build a concrete patio?
July 27th, 2022 at 11:59 am
It’s great stuff.
July 19th, 2022 at 5:31 am
It’s been 31 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. And in that time, a lot has changed. I’ve seen first-hand how society has become more inclusive, and how technology has made it possible for people with disabilities to live fuller lives.
Regards,
Marcus | Vent Cleaner | Service: Vent Cleaning Peoria
June 25th, 2022 at 6:10 pm
i love fish. i just hate it when the fish start evolving legs and start ruining the landscape of your home and eating the garden though
June 14th, 2022 at 8:28 am
That’s great! Keep it up.
May 20th, 2022 at 5:19 am
I am glad that they actually respect my experience and will pay you for your work.
April 18th, 2022 at 7:17 am
That’s great! Congratulations.
March 24th, 2022 at 9:26 am
This event truly inspires int the community of people with disability. Many thanks to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium for sponsoring the event.
March 15th, 2022 at 8:49 am
You’ll also learn how we care for all of the stingrays living at Shedd and how your actions can protect them in the wild.
January 28th, 2022 at 8:52 am
Great work and congratulations on your achievement. Kepp on inspiring others. Thank you.
January 6th, 2022 at 7:27 am
We would probably bring you back for another session after we make any of your recommended revisions.
– augusta tree service
September 10th, 2021 at 12:56 am
Kudos to the Shedd for making visitors who have disabilities feel so welcome there, and also for their continuing efforts to leave everyone who visits with ways to help the environment.
Cheers!
Kitchen Remodeling Tacoma