The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.
Each year, the anniversary of the ADA is celebrated on July 26th. Much has been accomplished, much still needs to be done. Here is information on the ADA, its history, ways you can get involved and ways to celebrate the Anniversary each year.
- What is the ADA?
- An overview of the ADA
- ADA Fact Sheet Series
- U.S. Access Board Technical Guide to Using the ADA Standards
- Timeline of the ADA
- Celebrating the ADA
- Video: Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26, 1990
- The History of the ADA: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
- The Independent Living Movement
- Time Magazine Article: The Fight for Access and Equality Continues