Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA: A Milestone for Disability Rights

On July 26, 1990, a landmark piece of legislation was signed into law that forever changed the landscape for millions of Americans: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As we celebrate its 35th anniversary, it’s a powerful time to reflect on the law’s origins, its profound impact, and why it remains essential today.

The Road to the ADA

The ADA didn’t happen overnight. It was born from decades of advocacy, organizing, and lived experiences that made it clear: people with disabilities deserved full civil rights.

While the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was a critical first step, it didn’t go far enough. It excluded private businesses, many employers, and large swaths of public life.

Momentum grew in the 1980s. In 1986, the National Council on Disability (NCD) released a groundbreaking report titled Toward Independence, calling for comprehensive legislation to eliminate discrimination and expand opportunity. Soon after, bipartisan champions in Congress, including Senators Tom Harkin and Lowell Weicker, and Representatives Tony Coelho and Silvio Conte, introduced the ADA bill.

Advocates like Justin Dart, who compiled “discrimination diaries” from people with disabilities across the country, painted a compelling picture of systemic injustice. Their voices, along with the advocacy of leaders like Evan Kemp, helped win the support of President George H.W. Bush, who signed the ADA into law on July 26, 1990.

What the ADA Means

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including:

Employment
Education
Transportation
Public and private accommodations

It defines disability broadly, protecting individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.

When President Bush signed the law, he declared:
“Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”
That moment marked a turning point—a promise of equality, dignity, and full participation for people with disabilities across the nation.

Why It Still Matters Today

At CaringTide, we work every day to help families of children with disabilities access the resources and rights they deserve. The ADA has been foundational in this mission, ensuring better access to schools, communities, workplaces, and essential services.

And yet, the work isn’t over.
Barriers still exist, especially in areas like:

Employment equity
Digital accessibility
Transportation gaps
Enforcement and accountability

The ADA laid the groundwork, but continued advocacy and awareness are key to building on its legacy.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment

As we honor the ADA’s 35th anniversary, we celebrate the trailblazers who made it possible and we look forward with determination.

At CaringTide, we remain committed to:

Empowering families with knowledge of their rights
Supporting inclusion across all environments
Advocating for policies that strengthen and uphold the ADA’s vision

The ADA is more than a law. It’s a promise of independence, equality, and a more accessible future for all.

Sources:

Administration for Community Living (ACL) – ADA 35th Anniversary Page:
Administration for Community Living. (n.d.). The Americans with Disabilities Act. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://acl.gov/ada

ADA.gov – Brief Overview of the ADA:
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (n.d.). The Americans with Disabilities Act: A brief overview. https://www.ada.gov