Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• How has the Americans with Disabilities Act improved people’s lives? (Cause and Effect)
The act has improved lives by making discrimination against people because of their disabilities illegal. It requires public places to be accessible and has helped people with disabilities fully participate in society. Ramps, Braille signs, curb cuts, and closed-captioning are some of the accommodations that have become common in the 30 years since the law was passed.
• What are some of the challenges people with disabilities still face? (Key Details)
People with disabilities are bullied at high rates and are less likely to have jobs. Only 31 percent of working-age people with disabilities were employed in 2019, compared with 75 percent of those without disabilities. People with disabilities also continue to face barriers because many places aren’t fully accessible.
• What does Judy Heumann mean when she says “disability is a normal part of life”? (Social and Emotional Learning)
Heumann means that disabilities aren’t something that people should feel ashamed of. She has fought to help make the world better for people like her and to promote understanding that disabilities are common. She also says disabilities can make people stronger.