The Americans with Disabilities Act

I became disabled long after the ADA was passed. Thank goodness.

I’m a confident young woman, who happens to be missing part of my left leg. Sometimes I need crutches, sometimes I need a wheelchair, and sometimes I can cover my prosthetic leg with a pair of jeans and pass as non-disabled.

The inherent ableism in our society makes me feel ashamed when I’m not able to wear my prosthetic leg, like it’s my fault that I can’t get to work on the subway anymore. Like it’s my fault that the elevator is broken and the subway cars are always jam-packed, so forget about finding a seat for my one-legged butt. Like it’s my fault that Access-A-Ride won’t cross the river to Jersey City, and Access Link won’t bring me to NY. 

Without the ADA, would it be my fault?
Goodbye access. Goodbye transit. Goodbye employment. Luckily, it’s not my fault. Just ask the ADA.

I’m a confident young woman, who just happens to be missing part of my left leg.