As we mark the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a perspective worth exploring is the enduring legacy of this landmark civil rights legislation and how individuals like Adina Karten are working to uphold its tenets. The ADA, which formalized a commitment to equality and accessibility for persons with disabilities on July 26, 1990, aimed to eradicate the blatant and subtle injustices faced by an often overlooked demographic.
Adina Karten, the Disability, Access, and Functional Needs Planning Coordinator at the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, is one of those individuals who use the ADA as a guiding principle in her work. Karten is tasked with ensuring that all Philadelphians, regardless of physical or mental abilities, have the necessary resources "before, during, and after emergencies," as she put it in an article by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. This inclusive mindset is vital when disaster strikes, as the chaos and destruction laid bare by emergencies do not discern among its victims, as per the City of Philadelphia.
In honoring the ideals of the ADA, Karten and her colleagues employ the CMIST Framework, which focuses on the foundational elements of Communication, Maintaining health, Independence, Support services and safety, and Transportation. This focus extends to the medical field, personal autonomy, readily available support services, and transportation options that accommodate all requirements.
Karten's roots in Central Jersey have not withered her connection and dedication to Philadelphia, a city she has called home since 2022, along with her service dog and two cats. "I care deeply about equity and inclusion, and I’m proud to be part of a team making our city safer and more inclusive for everyone", she told the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, as per the City of Philadelphia. Her efforts include launching the #ReadyPhiladelphia4U campaign, ensuring that emergency alerts in Philadelphia are accessible in 11 different languages, including American Sign Language, a move celebrating cognitive diversity and recognizing the multilingual fabric of the city.
