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My ADA Story: From Committees to Concerts

By Debbie Kolesar

Debbie Kolesar poses with a picture of singer Michael Buble.Debbie Kolesar poses with a picture of singer Michael Buble.

Before the ADA was enacted, I lived with my parents.  They supported me and helped me graduate from high school.  When they passed away, I moved in with my sister and brother-in-law.  As their family grew, I knew we needed to find other living arrangements for me.  I never imagined I would be able to live on my own.  But, thanks to the ADA and the support I get from my family, I now live on my own. 

I’m an active member of the Durham County Community Living Program and a member of the Durham Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.  We are working on important issues that affect people with disabilities in Durham.  I use accessible transportation that enables me to get to and from meetings and church.  I also have support that helps me shop for groceries and other errands. 

I love concerts.  A few years ago I went to a Michael Buble concert with a couple of friends, one of whom uses a wheelchair.  Because the ADA mandates equal access, we were able to sit in the accessible seating area.  We had a wonderful time because we were able to sit together as friends.  It was a fabulous concert!

Quotes from Debbie Kolesar:

“Because of the ADA, I’m able to live on my own and be self-sufficient.”

“I was able to enjoy a Michael Buble concert because the arena was accessible for me and my friends with disabilities.  We were able to enjoy the concert together.”

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

Read all the stories here or share your own ADA story.

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This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001NCSCDD-02, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

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