Recently, one of our Rise parents, Brandi Hitzelberger, wrote an article for the Constortium for Citizens with Disabilities and we were fortunate to be included as a part of their journey. We loved her write-up and wanted to share it with you here:
Full Article
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, remains a cornerstone of civil rights for individuals with disabilities. Its enduring impact is reflected in countless lives across the country—lives like that of Alex, a young individual who is deafblind. Thanks to the protections and provisions established by the ADA, Alex is not only included in society but empowered to thrive in it.
One powerful example of this is Alex’s experience at Camp Freedom, an inclusive outdoor adventure camp designed for people of all abilities. Camp Freedom embodies the ADA’s vision by ensuring its facilities and activities are fully accessible. As a result, Alex was able to take part in exciting, confidence-building experiences such as zip lining, archery, and fishing. Using adaptive equipment, and support from trained staff, Alex experienced the joy and adrenaline of soaring through the air, the focus and achievement of hitting a target, and the peace of connecting with nature—all in a setting that prioritized safety, dignity, and inclusion.
Beyond recreational opportunities, the ADA has also helped create spaces for health and wellness for individuals with disabilities. One such space is RISE Fitness, an adapted fitness program that gives Alex the chance to engage in regular physical activity alongside peers. Through accessible equipment, personalized support, and an encouraging environment, RISE Fitness provides more than just a workout—it fosters motivation, friendship, and a healthy lifestyle. Programs like RISE are a direct reflection of what the ADA has made possible: a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can pursue physical wellness and community engagement.
The importance of the ADA cannot be overstated. It ensures that individuals like Alex have access not only to buildings and programs, but also to opportunity, dignity, and belonging. It mandates the removal of physical and societal barriers that once kept people with disabilities isolated from public life. Through this legislation, public spaces, schools, employers, and recreational facilities are held to a standard that affirms the rights and humanity of all individuals.
Alex’s story is a clear example of why we must continue to uphold and strengthen the ADA. Whether zip lining at Camp Freedom or breaking a sweat at RISE Fitness, Alex is not limited by disability—because the ADA has helped create a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.
Further Reading
You can learn more about the Kentucky Deaf-Blind Project here: