"Rewriting the Myths, Redefining the Realities"
By Homer Page
July 26 is the day that in 1990 George
Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. It is the
day that in 2002 the Boulder County Center for People With
Disabilities chose to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Two hundred
twenty-five staff, consumers, and well-wishers gathered in the CPWD
award-winning accessible garden to celebrate and remember a quarter
century of growth and service.
Ruth Arnold, the only board member who has served the entire 25 years,
shared her memories. David Bolin, Executive Director and a relative
newcomer, congratulated the community that has sustained the Center.
Tom Eldridge, Boulder City Council member and local restaurateur,
served the food. A local band entertained, and a number of attendees
made generous financial contributions.
CPWD has grown from a dream and five CETA one-year positions to over
50 employees and a $1.8 million budget. Its growth points to a
nationwide phenomena. Community-based, peer directed organizations
that emphasize advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities are
succeeding, and a strong experienced network of agencies committed to
social change has emerged. Elsewhere in this issue we discuss the
Independent Living Center in Larimer County that is nearing its 25th
anniversary. The Atlantis Community has been in existence for more
than 25 years. This story is now being repeated across the nation.
The future for people with disabilities is unclear. The current
condition of the economy and the mood of the public do not promise a
great deal of progress. Without a strong advocacy effort the future
may be bleak. However, the emergence of an independent living movement
based in community organizations, such as CPWD, can challenge the
national mood and lead the way to a more hopeful future. We can only
support these fine organizations and applaud their endurance and tough
idealism.
Copyright 2002 A&H Publishing Corporation