On Monday, October 2, 2023, faculty from the GW occupational therapy program were invited to the White House for a reception commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act and the 33rd anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.
“These laws are a source of opportunity, meaningful inclusion, participation, respect, and as my Dad would say, the most important of all: dignity,” said President Joe Biden.
GW OT Faculty were able to hear from President Joe Biden and actress, Selma Blair, on how these acts have changed and benefitted the lives of millions of Americans in the United States.
“It was fantastic to hear the White House recognize the importance of these acts while emphasizing the work that still needs to be done,” said Roger Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA.
“Disabled Americans are still three times less likely to have a job. They often earn less for the exact work [that] someone else is doing as not disabled. Too often, disabled Americans are unable to vote, get to and from work and school, to enjoy public spaces,” explained the President.
“It is so important, obviously, for our community, for our futures, for caregivers, for everyone, to realize there is such inequity and we do not have exposure to, really, what the disabled community goes through,” said Slema Blair.
Selma Blair, who has multiple sclerosis, brought her service dog, Scout, to the reception. “She is a member of the disabled community but was not always a part of it so she now understands the importance of justice, fairness, and the advocacy needed to strengthen the ADA,” said Sarah Doerrer PhD, OTR/L, CHT, CLT.
Acknowledgement and support from the presidential office for the rights of Americans in the United States with disabilities goes hand in hand with the GW OT program’s philosophy of how occupational therapy empowers communities and promotes inclusion in society.
