A few years ago people with disabilities were not given the same opportunities as able-bodied people. Many of them were shut-ins and not able to live a normal life. Comparing that to today and thanks to the ADA laws (Americans with Disabilities Act) they are now productive members of society.
             Education, for instance, is one area that has seen change. Kids with disabilities today are mainstreamed into regular classrooms giving them the opportunity to receive the same education as every other child their age. Comparing that to years ago when children with disabilities were separated from the "regular" student population. Going even further back, kids with disabilities weren't even sent to school and many times were institutionalized.
             Another area where great change has been made is the accessibility for people with disabilities. Before the ADA laws went into affect there were no laws to hold public buildings or their owners accountable for being accessible. Many times people who were disabled were not able to go certain places due to the building being inaccessible. Today it is a whole different story with the newer buildings having to abide by the federal laws of accessibility giving people with disabilities more of an opportunity to enjoy what their communities have to offer. These buildings must have wider doorways, elevators, special seating and accessible bathrooms.
             Transportation is another area that has grown. In earlier years many people with disabilities had to rely on family members or specialized medical transportation to get to stores, work or appointments. Today the public transportation systems has busses that are equipped with wheelchair lifts and also has it own division of transportation for people with disabilities, better known as Lift Line. Also with today's advancement in technology many people with disabilities are able to get a drivers license.
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