ADA Story July 23: Joy Tribble
My ADA Story: The True Power of the ADA
By Joy Tribble
By the time the ADA was signed, I had already matriculated though the public-school system, completed post-secondary education at two different colleges and was six years into my teaching career. Nevertheless, the ADA has had a positive impact on my life as an adult doing what we all do each day – pushing through to get where we need to be.
The first time I remember realizing what the passing of the ADA really meant for me was in 1998, when I enrolled as a graduate student at Clemson University to pursue my master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance. I was surprised to learn of the existence of the Disability Services office and excited that they were able to help me get the accommodations I needed to get through that program. They didn’t get everything right, but I did have help in taking my final comps, and extra effort was made to assure that I was able to walk across the stage and receive my degree – not a small feat at Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum.
I began my career as a high school English teacher in 1984, and while the public-school systems for which I worked were slow to provide what I needed even after the ADA became law, my time with them forced leadership to think about the ADA and discuss what might be needed to support the employment of persons with disabilities. My desire as a teacher was to show students that a strong work ethic and a belief in yourself can help you overcome anything.
Since my first day on the job with the State of North Carolina, I have been empowered to advocate for accommodations that allow me to perform my job to the best of my abilities and be a productive member of my team. And, really this is the ultimate test of any piece of legislation. Yes, easier parking, ramps, curb cut-ins are awesome, but the true power of the ADA is the knowledge that I have the power of the law behind me as I continue to push through each day for a better tomorrow. I am thankful for the ADA and all who helped make it a reality. I am grateful for the empowerment of the ADA, which gives opportunities of success to all persons with disabilities.
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA