Hall Battles ‘Barriers Of Attitude’

Double amputee Robert David Hall (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation‘s Dr Al Robbins) doesn’t let his disability stand in his way, and he works hard to make sure others get the same opportunities in life.

Hall was recently on hand to introduce President Barack Obama at a White House event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. In 1978, the actor was involved in a car accident that cost him both legs. He never let that hold him back, and today he is a successful star on CSI. He also released his debut CD earlier this summer.

Despite his own accomplishments, Hall knows that other people with disabilities face major obstacles. Some of those obstacles are physical, but Hall said there’s a bigger problem. “I travel a lot,” the actor told UPI. “I’ve encountered a lot of architectural barriers. But in my opinion architectural barriers are second to barriers of attitude.” He added, “There are a lot of studies showing huge gaps in employment and education and income for people with disabilities. I’m one of so few people with a disability in the entertainment business.”

There are some individuals who would like to get rid of the ADA, but the law is here to stay. “I’d like to see them try (to repeal it),” Hall said. “I’m sorry, the days of not being able to get your wheelchair into a public building are over. That stuff is just not acceptable.” The actor continued, “We’re not out there saying we have to do everything. We have to get an education and we’re going to participate in America. That’s just the way it is.”