Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Sunday by sailing in the Annapolis harbor and Ego Alley.
On July 26, 1990, on the South Lawn of the White House, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act surrounded by legislators, people with disabilities, and many supporters including some that were associated with CRAB, a nonprofit based in Annapolis that provides sailing experiences for anyone with a disability, recovering warriors, and youth from at-risk communities.
“This act is powerful in its simplicity,” Bush said when he signed it. “It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard: independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream.”
The act prohibits discrimination of individuals who have disabilities, including in public accommodations, employment, services, and other areas.
“Maryland Department of Disabilites is pleased to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act with our friends at CRAB in Annapolis,” Said Carol Beatty, Secretary of MDOD. “This groundbreaking civil rights legislation provides equal access for people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. MDOD and CRAB have a shared vision of full community access for all.”
CRAB President Brad LaTour said he is happy with the progress of ADA over these 30 years. While sailing, the CRAB boat received a lot of congratulatory waves and cheers from bystanders.
“Sailing from our state’s capital in an accessible boat is a wonderful way to highlight the need for everyone to have access to public accommodations. Every Marylander deserves equal access to all our state has to offer,” Beatty said.
“It feels great on the water today with a nice little breeze but it is hot,” LaTour added Sunday.
LaTour feels like CRAB shows support where government and other organizations might overlook.
“We have been there to fill the gaps and have been serving thousands of guest over the last almost 30 years,” LaTour said. “It is acknowledgment of public and nonprofits working together to serve those who are often forgotten. The disability community is a group of people we need to keep in our thoughts.”
Sailing for people with disabilities is very interactive and gives them a chance to drive the boat. “It gives them a significant sense of self-worth and self-confidence,” LaTour added.
Many of the guests of CRAB haven’t been on a boat until they sail with the program. CRAB has a high return rate because once people are comfortable they tend to participate more and more, LaTour said.
Gov. Larry Hogan also honored the 30th anniversary of the act by issuing a proclamation to observe the progress that’s been made in the 30 years. He presented the proclamation to Beatty on Sunday.
“Here in Maryland, we recognize the unlimited potential of all of our citizens, including those with disabilities, to live, work, and thrive in our communities,” Hogan said in a statement. “The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is a great opportunity to recognize the importance of ensuring inclusive environments for Marylanders with disabilities and we encourage all of our citizens to celebrate their rights and abilities.”
CRAB will be celebrating its own 30th anniversary in 2021 and its goal is to cut the ribbon on an adaptive boating center. According to LaTour this center will be the first of its kind and will bring more guests to sail.
“This center will further fulfill the goals and dreams for people with disabilities guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act 30 years ago today,” LaTour said. “We want to provide a permanent home here in downtown Annapolis. For people to enjoy the freedom and thrill of sailing.”
LaTour wants the Annapolis community to continue their support for CRAB and ADA so they can last another 30 years.
“Thank you for all the support up to this point, don’t give up. Support us even more and everyone benefits,” LaTour said. “You don’t have to have disabilities to see the wonderful outcomes of the work we do to help those less fortunate.”
