Because I'm "That Way"

Yesterday was an inspiring day. The inauguration and extended ceremonies were interesting, exciting, joyful.

And yet. I noticed a couple of things. So rather than focus on how uplifting and historic everything was, which others have written about more eloquently, and how we have to get down to work now, a horse which I have already beaten to death, I wanted to mention a couple of other things. The things from the "needs improvement" side of the house.

In doing so, I am following in the footsteps of my mother. We actually had the following exchange.
ME: I got 98% on the algebra test!!!!!
MOM: What did you miss?
I know she was right--what you don't know is what you need to learn, and you can learn it and be perfect next time. But a pat on the back first, a reconition of achievement, would have been nice.

So, President Obama and administration: good going. So far, so good. Yesterday showed that you're serious about healing the country's divisions and encouraging all of us to exercise our better natures. We're all behind you and ready to do our share.

Now. Here are two things to improve.

First, about Dick Cheney in the wheelchair. Did you notice that he was sent through back corridors and elevators? He missed his chance to parade onto the podium like everyone else. Maybe you think it was for the best, given the "boos" he might have generated (based on the "boos" for Bush).

However, Cheney was shunted to the side--a role he never played in the previous administration, though perhaps he should have. In this situation, the federal government didn't comply with the spirit of the 1994 Americans with Disabilities Act, and I'm not sure it complied with the letter of the law, either. People with recognized disabilities must be able to participate fully in activities of the government. Cheney--one of the most powerful men in the country--wasn't able to participate in a way that an able-boded vice-president would have. What hope does that give to others who aren't so powerful?

Second, about the day's festivities. I didn't see any American Sign Language interpreters at the event. Certainly there were no interpreters on the main stage, near the speakers. Again, shouldn't the federal government be complying with the ADA?

Of course there are are legal, ethical, and moral issues around providing access to the operation of the government to every citizen. But you missed a golden opportunity to set a most excellent example and generate longlasting goodwill.

Gallaudet University, in Washington, DC--first funded by President Abraham Lincoln--is the hub of Deaf culture in North America. It is an international leader in educating Deaf adults and in researching effective ways to teach Deaf people of all ages and includes a model secondary school on its campus. Washington, DC has a large population of Deaf people.

Reaching out to that population would have been a highly visible way to demonstrate your commitment to recognizing and tapping into the value of all people in this country and their ability to contribute to the common good.

It's not too late. You can make compliance with the ADA--even beyond wheelchairs to include communication access for culturally Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing people--a given for your administration. It's a small thing for your administration to arrange--no task force, no study, no blue-ribbon commission, no buy-in, no debate or up/down vote. Just a phone call or two to continue to put into practice the inspiring message you have already sent: we are all important. We are all necessary. We must all participate.

And don't forget: it's not only the right thing to do. It's not only a smart thing to do. It's the law.

Still doing a great job. Carry on.