35 Years of the ADA: Advancing Civil Rights for Americans with Disabilities

Washington, DC — As the United States marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this July 26, civil rights advocates, disability organizations, and public officials reflect on one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, the ADA has transformed the landscape of accessibility and equality for millions of Americans living with disabilities.

The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in the same way that laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It ensures equal opportunity in employment, access to goods and services, participation in state and local government programs, and the right to effective communication and transportation.

Who Is Protected Under the ADA?

The ADA protects individuals who:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
• Have a history of such an impairment (e.g., cancer in remission), or
• Are perceived by others as having such an impairment (e.g., scars from burns).

This includes conditions such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, deafness, blindness, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, HIV, mobility impairments, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, and many others. Disabilities may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent.

Scope and Reach: Title II and Beyond

One of the core provisions of the ADA is Title II, which prohibits disability discrimination by public entities, including state and local governments. It mandates that all services, programs, and activities be accessible and inclusive. Title II also requires public institutions to:

• Make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, and procedures,
• Ensure facilities are physically accessible,
• Provide auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (e.g., sign language interpreters, braille, TTY devices),
• Deliver services in the most integrated setting appropriate for individuals with disabilities.

These requirements aim to eliminate barriers that historically excluded people with disabilities from meaningful participation in society.

Filing Complaints and Enforcing Rights

Individuals who believe they have faced discrimination based on disability in health or human service programs may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Complaints must be submitted within 180 days of the alleged discrimination and may include requests for reasonable accommodations or communication support.

Additionally, private individuals may also file lawsuits to seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, or attorneys’ fees under the ADA.

A Continuing Legacy

As the ADA turns 35, its legacy continues to shape a more equitable society. Employers, public institutions, transportation systems, and businesses are all held to standards that promote dignity, access, and full participation. While progress is visible in areas such as curb cuts, captioning, and workplace accommodations, advocates note there is still work to be done to ensure digital, educational, and healthcare access.

FACT SHEET

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

For a detailed overview of ADA protections, enforcement, and complaint procedures, review the official ADA fact sheet below: