The Americans with Disabilities Act, which seeks to find a broader place for people with disabilities in U.S. businesses, workplaces and schools, became law on July 26, 1990. In honor of its 20th anniversary this year, I've updated the list from the law's 15th anniversary to offer 20 links to information on the ADA and the anniversary from government offices, disability organizations, and news media around the Web.
1. AAPD's Countdown to the ADA Videos
American Association of People With Disabilities: "AAPD is celebrating a countdown to the July 26 anniversary of the ADA by showcasing a new interview with someone in the disability community talking about their experiences with the ADA." Go to the AAPD Video page on YouTube and search for "Countdown to the ADA"
2. ADA at 20: A Nation Transformed
Politico post by Senator Tom Harkin, a co-sponsor of the bill: "At its heart, the ADA is simple. In the words of one activist, this landmark law is about securing for people with disabilities the most fundamental of rights: “the right to live in the world.” It ensures they can go places and do things that other Americans take for granted." Read More
3. Americans with Disabilities Act Sparks Changes in Its 20 Years
The ARC: "In the law's 20 years, local businesses have widened hallways and marked parking spots for the handicapped. Metro buses now have lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and special vans will accommodate those who can't use regular buses. Sidewalk curbs are sloped and have ramps to accommodate people with disabilities. Despite those improvements ... many public buildings still don't have an adequate number of handicapped accessible bathrooms. Businesses install automatic doors leading into buildings, which the law calls for, but some neglect doors inside those buildings." Read More
4. Americans With Disabilities Act
ADA National Network video to mark the anniversary of the ADA. View Video
5. Celebrate 20 Years of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Epilepsy Foundation: "When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, it promised to be a vital means of protecting the interests of people who were treated unfairly because of their epilepsy. In fact, it has been very successful in opening doors to people with epilepsy. Employers cannot ask in advance of hiring whether you have epilepsy; the physical world is more accessible; you cannot be excluded from participation in public activities and facilities because you have seizures." Read More
6. Disabilities Debate Rages 20 Years Later
CNN article by Philip Rosenbaum: "Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, an original sponsor of the legislation, introduced a resolution last week saluting the people who helped bring the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. 'Twenty years ago, we heard testimony from Americans who had to crawl on their hands and knees to go up a flight of stairs; who couldn't ride on a bus because there wasn't a lift; who couldn't even cross the street in their wheelchairs because there were no curb cuts,' the resolution said. 'The ADA has broken down barriers, created opportunities and transformed lives.'" Read More
7. Disabilities Law Changed Our Perceptions
Columbus Dispatch article by Deborah Kendrick: "The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act may not have brought utopia, but as I tell a young college student with a disability that my college did not have to accept me based on my qualifications, that landlords and insurance agents could legally refuse to sell me services, as I tell her these things and witness her total incredulity, I know we have much to celebrate." Read More
8. Facts for Features: 20th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
U.S. Census Bureau data on disabilities in America, including types of disabilities, job accommodations, education, and income. Read More
9. How Has the ADA Impacted My Life?
Disability.gov sought stories on how the ADA impacted people's life for the 20th anniversary. The index page for those is gone from the site now, but if you go to a search engine (off the Disability.gov site) and search for "How Has the ADA Impacted My Life?" you can still find individual pages on the site telling personal stories.
10. In House First, Congressman In Wheelchair To Preside On ADA Anniversary
Disability Scoop post by Michelle Diament: "Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., will be the first person using a wheelchair to take the helm of the House. The opportunity is possible because of recent alterations to the House Speaker’s platform making it wheelchair accessible through a series of lifts." Read More
