The Americans with Disabilities Act Changed America. Now It's Our Turn to Protect Its Promise.
Thirty-Five Years Ago, Everything Changed
Before 1990, millions of Americans with disabilities faced barriers that many people today couldn't imagine.
Buildings weren't accessible.
Public transportation was often unavailable.
Employment opportunities were limited.
Living independently in the community wasn't considered a right—it was often considered impossible.
That changed with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most significant civil rights laws in American history.
The PBS American Experience documentary "Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act" tells the remarkable story of the individuals, families, and advocates who fought for equality, accessibility, and inclusion.
▶ Watch the documentary here:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/change-not-charity-americans-disabilities-act/
Progress Didn't Happen Overnight
The ADA wasn't created overnight.
It was the result of decades of advocacy from people who believed disability should never define someone's opportunities.
Because of those efforts, millions of Americans now have greater access to:
Community living
Employment
Education
Transportation
Public spaces
Equal opportunities
These changes have transformed lives and strengthened communities across the country.
Why This Matters Today
While the ADA established important civil rights protections, the work isn't finished.
Across Indiana and the nation, many families continue to face uncertainty as Medicaid waiver programs, funding systems, and disability services evolve.
When funding changes, real people feel the impact.
Families may worry about:
Residential supports
Day services
Employment opportunities
Transportation
Community inclusion
At Marshall-Starke Development Center, these aren't abstract policy discussions—they affect people we know, serve, and care about every day.
This Is The Need
At MSDC, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to:
Live independently
Build meaningful relationships
Find employment
Express creativity
Participate in their community
Thrive with dignity
Our This Is The Need campaign exists because community support helps protect those opportunities when uncertainty arises.
Government funding provides essential services, but it doesn't always cover everything individuals need to live full, meaningful lives.
Local generosity helps bridge that gap.
We'll Continue Moving Forward
The story of the ADA reminds us that progress happens when communities choose inclusion.
No one knows exactly what the future holds.
But one thing remains certain:
Marshall-Starke Development Center will continue advocating for the rights, dignity, and independence of the individuals we serve.
Because protecting opportunity isn't just about today.
It's about ensuring future generations continue moving forward—not backward.
Watch the Documentary
We encourage everyone to watch PBS American Experience's powerful documentary:
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/change-not-charity-americans-disabilities-act/
It's a powerful reminder of how far we've come—and why the work continues.
Learn More About This Is The Need
Community support makes a lasting difference.
Learn how you can help protect independence for individuals with disabilities throughout Northern Indiana.
Learn more: https://www.msdcin.org/this-is-the-need