Celebrating 25 Years of the ADA

Celebrating 25 Years
of the Americans with Disabilities Act

How the Americans with Disabilities Act Has Changed Lives

John L. Martin, Director
Department of Developmental Disabilities

Kevin Miller, Director
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

July 26, 2015, marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When President George H. W. Bush signed into law the ADA, he welcomed Americans with disabilities into the mainstream of life. "We embrace you for your abilities and for your disabilities, for our similarities and indeed for our differences, for your past courage and your future dreams," he said. The President noted that the purpose of the Act was to "ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard: Independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream."

Much has changed in the last 25 years, and the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) celebrates the progress we've made. This weekend is an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come, and thank those whose efforts have paved the way. Read more about the history of the ADA, and hear from several individuals who have benefited from this important legislation.

As we reflect on the progress we've made, we also know that there still is work to be done. We look forward to seeing what's possible in the next 25 years, and in partnering with all of you, our stakeholders, to make those dreams a reality.

The State of Ohio

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of Services.