As a person with a disability, Christien Woodell grew to learn that she had rights, and that law and policy were critical to allowing her to have the opportunity to have a full life. Not only was her life affected, but also the lives of her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She realized that what she had learned during her life allowed her to influence others to understand why compliance with the laws was critical.
Christine Woodell is the State Affiliate for the Southeast ADA Center. On this episode, Tony partakes in a powerful conversation with Christine about the importance of The Americans With Disabilities Act. Christine shares what life was like for her growing up with polio, decades before the ADA was passed and the critical role of having a parent who is willing to teach and adapt to the circumstances of having a child with disabilities. She also talks about the necessities our current generation needs to take to continue the work of the ADA, who were born into a time when the ADA has always existed for them, as well as, other laws that ensure equal access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Christine talks about what it was like to be an active member, participating in the civil rights movement that brought us the ADA. During this time she met some of the legends, such as, Ed Roberts who was instrumental in starting the Independent Living Movement to Judy Heumann who is recognized internationally as a leader in the disability community. Christine shares her role as an ADA advocate, her ongoing trainings, and educates us on the ideals and spirit of the ADA. Most importantly, she talks about the humanity and the humanitarianism that is connected with having a disability; how we should be seeing disabilities and interacting with people who have disabilities, how its not just about laws and enforcing those laws, but more about connecting with people’s hearts and the union that comes from this collective humanitarian experience that we all have around disabilities.
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