July 26 Marks 25 Years Of 'Americans with Disabilities Act'

By GAIL PELLERIN (Star Patcher)

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

On July 26, 2015, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the ADA.

The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life.

“The ADA has provided us with the framework to improve access to voting,” Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “Barriers have been removed from polling locations and there is an accessible voting unit at every polling place where voters may cast their ballot independently and privately, regardless of disability.”

To celebrate this 25th milestone, the ADA National Network and its ten regional ADA Centers across the United States offer an ADA Anniversary Tool Kit for use by individuals, government agencies, and the media through the ADA Anniversary website (ADAanniversary.org).

The website includes ADA 25 pledges and proclamations for individuals, government organizations, and faith communities to sign to recommit support for implementation of ADA.

The goal is to obtain 25,000 signatures by July 26. In addition, there are publications, videos, and other resources available to assist groups and individuals to join in this nationwide celebration.

“I took the pledge to continue to work toward full compliance of ADA,” Pellerin said. “I hope others will join me and take the pledge to support this landmark civil rights legislation.”

“Since 1991, the 10 Regional ADA Centers in the ADA National Network have worked to change the landscape for individuals with disabilities by providing free, confidential and accurate information, resources and training to businesses, employers, and state and local governments on their responsibilities under the ADA, “ said Pamela Williamson, Director of the Southeast ADA Center. “The ADA Centers also provide free and confidential answers to questions asked by people with disabilities, their families and other advocates, as well as veterans living across the United States.”

Because of the outreach, training and technical assistance the Network has done to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA, people with disabilities now have better access to businesses, buildings, state and local government programs and services, as well as increased opportunities for competitive employment. And their opportunities for full participation in community life are increasing every day.

To contact the ADA National Network, call toll free 1-800-949-4232 (voice/tty) or visit their website at adata.org. All calls are free and confidential.