Tacoma has 24,000 people with a disability. As one of them, I know access matters | Opinion

For many, July 26 was just another sunny summer day. But it was also an extraordinary day. It was National Disability Independence Day, commemorating the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, and it guarantees their right to access education, transportation and other services. The ADA has helped Tacoma make great strides in enhancing its infrastructure to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. In doing so, the ADA has opened a world of new opportunities for individuals who are disabled.

While we celebrate the ADA, I know our work to ensure accessibility and close disparity gaps continues. That is why, in 2022, I led the effort to codify the City’s Office of Equity and Human Rights. Today, this office works to not only root out institutional racism but to ensure equity for all Tacoma community members.

Approximately 24,000 people in Tacoma live with a disability. For some, this may mean they use a wheelchair or have a hearing impairment. For others, it may mean they have a learning disability. Many types of disabilities can impact any of us, including our cherished children, veterans and seniors. While some people are born with a disability, many become disabled later in life. I am one of those people.

When I was 19 years old, my vision began to deteriorate. By age 25, I learned I have a form of inherited macular degeneration called Stargardt disease. This has impacted my ability to read, write and drive, and it cannot be corrected with glasses or surgery. But my vision loss did not diminish my passion for serving others, nor did it break my commitment to putting in the hard work it takes to bring about change.

I share my experience because, while many people with disabilities take on advocacy and official roles, I still hear from too many that they are shying away from leadership positions. I have spent eight incredible years serving as a City Council Member, including two years as Deputy Mayor. While I have had challenges leading with impaired vision, I want to reassure everyone with a disability that Tacoma is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We know that people with disabilities have unique perspectives and experiences and that a more diverse political dialogue enriches our community for everyone.

There are many ways to get involved. We created the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities to help advise the City Council on policies regarding individuals with disabilities. There are also other volunteer Committees, Boards, and Commissions to consider, and a Neighborhood Council Program that provides opportunities for you to help craft solutions to local problems.

As I have looked to serve others while grappling with vision loss, I have learned that no one succeeds alone.

I hope you will join me in supporting those with disabilities so that everyone who dreams of serving and leading our community knows we welcome their voices.

Keith Blocker was first elected to represent District 3 on the Tacoma City Council in 2015. He was re-elected in 2019 and began his final term in 2020.