NorthwestJuly 23, 2000

Debra Smith

It was one more obstacle they weren't going to let stand in their way.

The Heat in the Street basketball tournament that shut down Main Street in Lewiston Saturday blocked the progress of a scheduled march celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

But that did little to stop the several dozen marchers, some in wheelchairs, as they walked and wheeled over the Interstate Bridge from Clarkston to Brackenbury Square in downtown Lewiston.

Holding red, white and blue balloons and hand-lettered signs reading "Freedom for All" and "Promote Positive Change," the marchers proudly moved around the makeshift basketball hoops set up on Main Street.

The basketball players moved out of the way, and some spectators shouted to the marchers "What's ADA?" and "What are you doing?"

That's exactly the response the event's coordinator Rick Leckness was hoping for.

"I wanted to bring notice to ADA's 10th anniversary. It's important to realize we've come a long way in the last 10 years, but we've got a long way to go."

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George Bush on July 26, 1990.

"Bush called it the emancipation proclamation for people with disabilities," Leckness said. "It's freedom for us all."

Leckness, who suffered a spinal cord injury 20 years ago, said he made it his goal since the accident to bring awareness about people with disabilities.

The marchers said they were concerned about the accessibility of buildings and city streets; education, medical treatment and employment opportunities; and uninformed attitudes.

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As a father of three, Leckness said many think of the disabled as single, and finding jobs that can support a family is difficult.

He says those who are disabled have a responsibility to get as much education as possible so they can compete for good-paying jobs and combat prejudices.

"People with disabilities want to be accepted, not looked down on. Even though they may not get a verbal put-down, it's the daily looks, it's the 'I don't have time for you' attitude."

As 74-year-old Marge Gertonson of Lewiston walked down Main Street, she experienced a bit of attitude when a man asked her what the march was about.

When told him they were celebrating ADA, he said, "Oh, is that all?"

"That's a lot," she answered forcefully.

After five debilitating surgeries during the last year, Gertonson said she's more aware of the needs of the disabled.

"I have a greater appreciation for the handicap than I ever have before. I'm for everything they need."

For Debra and Robert Sumpter, who live in the Orchards, the parade was a chance for them to express their frustration and interact with the community.

"I am a handicapped person, and I am one of the people who falls through the cracks," Robert Sumpter said. "It gets so frustrating."

Lewiston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem, Kevin Poole, conducted a proclamation ceremony, while on-lookers snacked on hot dogs and sipped cold drinks.

The proclamation named today through Saturday "Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Week," and encouraged citizens to comply with the act so "individuals with disabilities may have the same inalienable rights as other people to participate in mainstream of society."

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