Jean Z Batty
Passionate Advocate in San Mateo, California
I am a deeply committed advocate of individuals with disabilities. Once a marketing professional in the high technology industry, I completely changed my focus after I learned of our son's disability while pregnant. Little did I know that my initial advocacy for him, to be born in the best setting to ensure his opportunities to succeed in the world, would lead to a completely new career.
My journey has pushed me way outside my comfort zone at times. I am passionate about ensuring that whatever benefits my son also helps others with disabilities. Because of my efforts there are countless new curb cuts, ramps, accessible playgrounds, and even a new accessible train station!
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This critical legislation relies on individuals to file complaints. Sadly, this is what it takes to convince others to "do the right thing." I have never understood the resistance to this law as all of us could be disabled at at some point in our lives. We also face the likelihood of some mobility impairment as we age.
The pace of change is often frustrating especially when dealing with infrastructure that impacts a child or a person with a terminal illness. Often my child does not directly benefit from my efforts, because once the change is finally made he has aged out of a specific setting. My current work with individuals with ALS, a terminal illness, is even more time sensitive.
I liken my work on ADA compliance to a relay race; I work hard because advocates before me have also been tenacious. I am so inspired when I look at the faces of the individuals who crawled up the steps of the US Capital to make the ADA a reality. Their work ensured my son's chance at a full life despite being born with paralysis.
When the going gets tough, I restore my soul through my quilting hobby and the many pets that our family has rescued. Nothing makes me happier than creating beautiful artwork with a cat purring on my lap and a dog at my feet.