July 26, 2019 marks the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.
The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give 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. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.
ADA Anniversary Event
In celebration of the 29th anniversary of this historic civil rights legislation, an ADA Audio Webinar Series hosted by the Great Lakes ADA Center will feature “ADA Anniversary Update: 29 Years Burning Down the Road” on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. The webinar is free but registration is required; continuing education recognition is available — learn more and register for this July 16 webinar [www.accessibilityonline.org/ADA-Audio/].
“Nearly 57 million people in our country have a disability and nearly 25% of today’s 20 year olds will experience disability in their lifetime. Since 1991, the 10 regional ADA Centers in the ADA National Network have provided free, confidential and accurate information, resources and training on the ADA to businesses, employers, state and local governments, people with disabilities and their families, advocates and veterans across the United States,” said Barry Whaley, Director of the Southeast ADA Center.
Through the outreach, training and technical assistance the ADA National Network has done to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA, people with disabilities have better access to businesses, buildings, employment, state and local government programs and services, and increasing opportunities for equal and full participation in civic and community life.
The ADA National Network is the “go to” resource for free, confidential information, guidance and training on the ADA and its implementation — call toll-free 1-800-949-4232 or visit the website at adata.org — Callers using the toll-free 800 number are connected to the regional ADA Center serving their state.
ADA Anniversary Resources
You can access the ADA Celebrations Tool Kit offered by the ADA National Network and its ten regional ADA Centers across the United States.
Also, become a part of the nationwide celebration and recommit to the ADA. Sign the ADA Pledge for Individuals!