Honoring the Anniversary of the ADA

On July 26, we celebrate something truly meaningful: the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA marked a historic milestone for civil rights in the United States, helping expand access to employment, education, transportation, public spaces, and community life for millions of people with disabilities.

As we recognize this important anniversary, we celebrate the progress that's been made while continuing to look ahead toward a future where accessibility, inclusion, and belonging are woven into every community. The ADA reminds us that creating equitable opportunities benefits everyone and that meaningful change happens when people, organizations, and communities work together.

The ADA's impact continues to be felt every day, creating opportunities for greater independence, participation, and belonging. While there's still work to do, this anniversary is a chance to reflect on how far we've come, celebrate the progress we've made together, and recommit to building communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Want to learn more about the ADA, its history, and its lasting impact? Check out the articles below!

The ADA National Network offers a friendly, clear breakdown of what the law actually covers, walking through its five titles and how each one opens up access to employment, government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Read “What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?” at adata.org/learn-about-ada

The Minnesota Council on Disability shares an inspiring reminder that the ADA is just the beginning of the journey toward true accessibility and belonging, encouraging all of us to think bigger than the bare minimum. Read “ADA Guidelines: The Floor, Not the Ceiling” at disability.state.mn.us/2024/07/24/ada-guidelines-the-floor-not-the-ceiling

The ADA National Network also shares how the ADA’s protections are put into action: Read “Enforcing the Americans With Disabilities Act” at adata.org/factsheet/enforcing-the-ADA

Thank you for celebrating the ADA with us! Together, we can continue building a future where accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity are available to everyone.