Americans with Disabilities Act Impacts Bobcat Community

By: Ariadna C. Hernandez


As the Americans with Disabilities Act marks its 25^th anniversary, Texas State declares the month of October as Disability History and Awareness month.


October is the month where a variety of events, sponsored by the Office of Disability Services, will take place in honor of the act. “Stand Against Stigma Pledge Day” is one of the events that informs students of becoming better aware of the common misconceptions regarding mental illnesses and invisible disabilities.


The ADA has made a change and impacted this university. Because of this act, the implementation of ramps, elevators, disability parking spaces and automatic doors are available around campus. Students have acknowledged and been impacted by these physical accommodations.

Emily Parma
Photo taken by Holly Henrichsen

Emily Parma, 21, a special education major from Round Rock, Texas, uses accommodations for her visual impairment everyday in class and at work.

“I use elevators a lot because the campus is so large and so hilly that it's really tiring,” Parma said. “Even though I don't have a physical disability, it helps me and so I feel like they're helpful for people with or without a disability.”

Another student, Elijah Iniekpo, senior and a political science major, gave his input the act.

Elijah Iniekpo
Photo taken by Ariadna C. Hernandez

“On a hill? Prior to 1990, this campus would've limited the output of teaching professionals,” Elijah Iniekpo said. “Today, it wouldn't have the inclusion of the creative and innovative minds that originate from all the students seeking in a craft or learning subject. It would limit societies expansion and create another form of inequality, violation of human rights.”

Allison Tagloff
Photo taken by Josie Rasberry

Other students see how even faculty and staff make sure students with disabilities aren't discriminated.


“The university has tons of programs that both help and include people with disabilities, and our faculty and staff, such as Clint Michael Reneau, make sure that students with disabilities aren't discriminated,” said Allison Tagloff, senior and English major.


Despite the changes it has made these past 25 years, there's also aspects of the act that could be improved and worked on.

Takia Bunton
Photo taken by William Thomas

“I think the elevators in some buildings need to go to all the floors,” said Takia Bunton, junior and social work major. “For example, Derrick Hall. Although it has an elevator, it does not reach the fourth floor. If someone with a physical disability had a class on the fourth floor, they would have to find a way to get around Derrick Hall to where the fourth floor is street level.”


According to ODS, during October it also recognizes the value of persons with disabilities in employment. People with disabilities must also have the opportunities available to work for the community. 

Professor Jack Laumer sets an example of how his disability is only a strength and inspiration to the Bobcat community. 

Laumer, professor of trumpet in the School of Music at Texas State inspired music students that anything is possible even with a disability like his. Because of his hand, a band director once told him he would not be able to hold a trumpet, but he proved he could.

 President George H.W. Bush has brought a change to the problem of discrimination against people through disabilities with the signing of the act. This year President Barack Obama celebrates 25 years of ADA at the White House honoring those who made the ADA possible.

The act has brought us a step closer to equality. Let the community join ODS in attending some events to raise awareness and understanding for individuals with disabilities.