Americans With Disabilities Act Celebrated at 30 Years

July 26, 2020 is the thirtieth anniversary of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act enacted to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities.

The National Disability Rights Network says that, “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the nation’s strongest law protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination based on disability and guarantees equal access to public buildings and businesses.”

The ADA National Network says that,

The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says that, “the ADA ushered in a new era of opportunity for people with disabilities by formalizing equity and inclusiveness as federal standards.”

Disability Rights Connecticut asks, “How are you planning to celebrate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30th Anniversary? This July 26th the ADA National Network and individuals, communities, and organizations across the country will be participating. Learn how you can be involved by visiting www.adaanniversary.org/ #ADA30 #ThanksToTheADA
https://youtu.be/GURIy4765lk.”

The city of New Britain says,

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA with the City of New Britain! Use the #ThanksToTheADANB to share:
-what the ADA means to you
-an accessible space, business, form of transportation, park that you utilize
-a moment in your life when you have been thankful for the ADA
-how you are involved supporting the ADA
-your business/organization supporting the ADA
Share media like a video, picture, written word etc. Have fun and be creative

“This legislation has ensured that people of all abilities have equitable access in their daily lives,” said United States Representative Jahana Hayes (D-5).

United States Senator Christopher Murphy (D-CT) commented that, “Today is a big milestone. 30 years ago to the day, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law – establishing long overdue rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. We have more to do to realize equal rights for all people with disabilities, and today reminds us to keep fighting.”