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Celebrating 36 Years: The Americans with Disabilities Act
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law, representing a consequential improvement in civil rights for people with disabilities. The law prohibits discrimination based on disability and guarantees people with disabilities equal opportunity to participate in society.
The ADA also affirmed a national expectation that people with disabilities be able to participate fully in their communities, pursue employment, access public services, patronize businesses, travel, communicate, and live independently.
As we acknowledge the ADA’s 36th Anniversary this July, we see its impact in most settings across America. The accessible restroom in a public building, the sign language interpreter at a concert, the reasonable accommodation that allows a qualified employee to keep working, or the flexible testing policy needed by a college student are now part of our country thanks to the ADA.
The ADA’s influence is so embedded in daily life that many people rarely stop to notice its impact. In some ways, that is the goal. When the ADA is followed, it allows people with disabilities to conduct their lives with the same level of independence as anyone else.
Learn more from the ADA National Network here.
Disability Pride Month, is observed in July to mark the anniversary of the ADA and serves as an opportunity to honor the culture, resilience, achievements, and experiences of the disability community. See the calendar of events below:
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