On July 26, 2021 we recognize the 31st anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Initially introduced to Congress in 1988, the ADA was signed on July 26, 1990. The passing of this civil rights law was a major milestone in that it guarantees equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in regards to public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Changes to the definition of ‘disability’ were included in the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) that was passed in 2008.
The introduction of the Americans with Disabilities Act began with the 1986 publication of Toward Independence developed by The National Council on the Handicapped which is now known as National Council on Disability (NCD). This report was an assessment of federal laws and programs that affected persons with disabilities and contained legislative recommendations that eventually led to the introduction of the ADA in 1988.
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, please use the following resources: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, and the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
