In 1990, a landmark piece of legislation forever changed the lives of millions of individuals living with a disability and this July 26 will mark the 33rd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA brought a slew of changes to the disability community, barriers that once limited full participation in society were broken. Prior to the legislation, many individuals with disabilities faced discrimination in employment, education, public transportation, and access to public spaces. As we celebrate the legacy of the ADA, we must acknowledge the impact as well as our gratitude to the dedicated advocates that continuously fought to pass, enhance, and uphold the law.
The ADA has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity for all, especially requiring the inclusion of ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities can navigate the world with greater ease and dignity. Employers, schools, and restaurants are now mandated to provide reasonable accommodation for all individuals living with a disability. The changes put forward has allowed the ADA to foster a sense of belonging and community throughout all of society. While these changes were monumental, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation would be remiss if we did not recognize that our work is far from over.
The fight for full inclusion and equality remains ongoing, as new challenges and barriers emerge. Reeve Regional Champion and disability rights Advocate Sheri Denkensohn, explains, “after 33 years you would think it would be a no-brainer for accessibility. While the transportation system (DC Metro) and paratransit systems are close to the best when it comes to accessibility, there are still glitches.” Some of the glitches she refers to are when construction of new establishments is not compliant with the ADA. Countertop height, door width, automatic door openers placed out of reach, accessible parking spaces that are improperly marked and accessible hotel rooms that are supposed to be “accessible.”