Tuesday, July 26, 2022, is the 32^nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Anniversary gives us all occasion to re-connect with the spirit and determination of those in our community who fought for the law, as well as to re-commit to their example of civic engagement. 

Tuesday night, on the anniversary, City Hall will be lit up in purple, the international color to acknowledge the contribution of disabled people in the workforce and wider community. 

This month there are many accomplishments from the past year to be aware of.  Nicole Bohn, the Mayor’s Office on Disability Director, gave a presentation at the July 15 meeting of the Mayor’s Disability Council (MDC) that highlights the successes of MOD in promoting policies and practices to increase inclusion and accessibility.  The report also identifies upcoming challenges and areas for San Francisco to make things better. 

The July newsletter of the City Administrator highlights the work of the Mayor’s Office on Disability.  The newsletter describes MOD’s role as the City’s Overall ADA Coordinator and specifically focuses on MOD’s work during the pandemic to make sure people with disabilities have been included in San Francisco’s COVID response.  (keep scrolling down to find it!)

At the July 15 MDC meeting, the Council held a listening session to hear from the disability community about what the MDC should plan to incorporate into its agenda in the coming year.  To watch the video recording of that session or read a transcript of it, go to the SFGovTV website area for Video on Demand.    It’s not too late to make additional recommendations.  Send an email to MDC@sfgov.org or call 415-554-6789. 

At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Transportation has published an Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.   Acknowledging that the Air Carrier Access Act is not well known and understood by members of the public with disabilities and by air carriers, the Department of Transportation has committed to better enforcement and publicity about the existing law.