Program Updates

Celebrating ADA's Twentieth Birthday

By PWDF Staff

Program Manager Annie Hsia attended the twentieth anniversary celebration of the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 2010, at San Francisco’s City Hall, sponsored by the local Independent Living Resource Center. The Disability Pride Quilt was on prominent display, and speakers included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Representative Jackie Speier, and Mayor Gavin Newsom.

What stood out most, however, was the presentation by Professor Paul Longmore of San Francisco State University SFSU. [1]

A pioneer in crafting the academic discipline of disability studies in the U.S. and a noted author and historian, Professor Longmore had famously burned his own book in 1988, in protest of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) “work disincentives” rules. It took him ten years to write his book; however, in response, SSA cut off his disability benefits.

According to Professor Longmore, the disability rights movement has essentially redefined the popular meaning of disability. Whereas society used to think of disability in terms of the set of limitations imposed by pathology, the new thinking, as reflected by the ADA, is that limitations result rather from societal barriers that pose limits on people with disabilities. Therefore, we must remove those societal barriers to ensure equal access for all people with disabilities. Though we have come a long way since the passage of the ADA, there is still much more that could be done. In looking to the future, People With Disabilities Foundation continues to help ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of life for people with mental and/or developmental disabilities through our education and advocacy programs.

1Sadly, Professor Longmore unexpectedly passed away in August of this year.  

PWDF Profile

Who We Are

People With Disabilities Foundation is an operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California, which focuses on the rights of the mentally and developmentally disabled.

Services

Advocacy: PWDF advocates for Social Security claimant's disability benefits in eight Bay Area counties. We also provide services in disability rights, on issues regarding returning to work, and in ADA consultations, including areas of employment, health care, and education, among others. There is representation before all levels of federal court and Administrative Law Judges. No one is declined due to their inability to pay, and we offer a sliding scale for attorney's fees.

Education/Public Awareness: To help eliminate the stigma against people with mental disabilities in society, PWDF's educational program organizes workshops and public seminars, provides guest speakers with backgrounds in mental health, and produces educational materials such as videos.

Continuing Education Provider: State Bar of California MCLE, California Board of Behavioral Sciences Continuing Education, and Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.