| This qualitative study was the first to explore the impact or lack of impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1994 (ADA), subsequent legislative enactments, and related judicial decisions, on quality of life issues as perceived by selected disabled professional Washingtonians. Specifically, this study investigated 'why' a few disabled individuals succeeded in becoming professionals and 'how' these individuals survived the challenges imposed by a non-barrier free society.; A Naturalistic model of inquiry was used to ascertain on a human level how selected Washington State professionals with severe disabilities actually viewed their civil rights, the environments that they live with, and how programs designed to assist them actually affected their ability to achieve an equal quality of life. Five elite participants discussed their unique real life experiences and how they overcame the challenges of their disability to become, elected judges, attorneys, or an organization director.; This study confirmed that from their perspective disabled individuals had to work harder than their nondisabled counterparts to succeed and that the support of either family, peers, private counselors, or rehabilitation organizations was essential in facilitating their success in life. The most persistent problem identified by the participants is the attitude of the nondisabled towards the disabled and this attitude is what precludes disabled citizens from participating equally in society. Although the ADA has improved certain areas of access for the disabled by providing minimum standards, the stories of the participants suggest that if Congress does not revise the ADA specific standards, quality of life indicators will continue to reflect the current disparities between the nondisabled and the disabled population in America.; Research to understand or possibly assist families and others that provide the essential support disabled citizens need to succeed is critical. Other suggestions by participants included Public Service Announcements to address the attitude problem of the nondisabled, a national health insurance program, affirmative action legislation, and a Universal Government Service program to equalize employment for the disabled population. |
