JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Freedom Resource Center has been working through the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) since it was signed 30 years ago.

Today, their work is far from done.

The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26th, 1990. The law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public.

Beth Dewald is an Independent Living Advocate with Freedom Resource Center.

Dewald says in meeting with officials, they were able to come up with some solutions to the accessibility at the hospital locally.

Dewald adds that items like this are the reason their organization exists to find solutions and give a voice to the disabled community. She says nationwide, 1 in 4 people are affected with some type of disability.

Freedom Resource Center continues to work with ADA and help with education of businesses and industries on accessibility and accommodations, learning how to self-advocate, seeking employment, learning social skills and more.

Recently, Mayor Dwaine Heinrich signed a proclamation recognizing 30 years of the ADA.

Dewald says educating yourself on disabilities and putting yourself “in someone else’s shoes” is a great way to help advocate for those who work with disabilities every day.

If you want more information on the Freedom Resource Center, contact Beth Dewald at 701-252-4693 or visit freedomrc.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Beth Dewald below: