Posted July 19, 2020 by Alice Wong Guest Blog Posts
After 30 Years the ADA Leaves People with Psychiatric Disabilities Behind
After 30 Years the ADA Leaves People with Psychiatric Disabilities Behind
Héctor M. Ramírez
Content notes: suicide, suicidal ideation, hospitalization, forced treatment, violence
Plain language summary
I have lived in the beautiful golden state of California for most of my life, and for more than 25 years, I have lived in Los Angeles. I was diagnosed with Autism when I was four years and spent part of my early life institutionalized in the Camarillo State Developmental Center and State Mental Hospital, you can say I am part of the “pre-ADA generation.” But because of disability civil rights laws like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, I was able to finally fight for my right to go back to my family and into the community. The ADA passage made it possible for me to get an education and reclaim my life and my future. But only after having to fight for my full identity as a disabled person with all the same rights and privileges afforded to other disabled people under the ADA.
I am Chiricahua Apache and Mexican, and I was [...]