July is the month we celebrate our nation’s independence. It also marks possibly the most important victory in the history of the Disability Rights Movement: the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For people with disabilities, independence has different meanings. On one hand, it is the ultimate goal; if achieved, it signifies the successful dismantling of the social and political barriers that truly “disable” us. If, on the other hand, independence proves to be a logistical impossibility, we adjust our definition accordingly, and independence becomes something closer to self-determination in which we set the terms for the assistance we require – or in the words of our movement’s slogan, Nothing About Us Without Us. This month we invite you to share your own definition of independence: what does independence look like for you, what are the obstacles that stand in your way to a self-determined life, how do you become independent?

Our Opening Minds, Opening Doors Speaking Advocates group is free and meets the last Saturday of every month from 1-3 PM in Room 101 of the AGE of Central Texas Building. We welcome adults with disabilities who are interested in presenting stories and meeting other speakers. Email Eric Clow to RSVP or learn more.

You can also RSVP, invite friends, and follow our Facebook event page for updates.