In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ADA

History

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is turning 20 this year.  Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, it is “An Act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.”  Eighteen years later, on September 25, 2008, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) was signed into law by President George W. Bush.  The intent of this amendment was to give a larger scope of protection to workers with disabilities.

ADA Basics

There are 5 titles of the ADA.  They include:

1. Title I—Employment
2. Title II—Public Entitites (and public transportation)
3. Title III—Public Accommodations (and Commercial facilities)
4. Title IV—Telecommunications
5. Title V—Miscellaneous Provisions (including technical provisions)

For more detailed information regarding the ADA, you can contact The ADA National Network.  Their role is “to provide information, guidance and training on the ADA, tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.”  There are ten regional ADA National Network Centers throughout the country.  Mine is the Mid-Atlantic Center.  Do you know yours?

What will you be doing on July 26^th?

Many cities are having local ADA anniversary celebrations.  My home state, Delaware, is having the “Delaware does ADA 2010” celebration on July 26^th at Rehoboth Beach.  My former city, Philadelphia, is having their ADA Celebration, hosted by Liberty Resources, at Independence Park.  Where’s your local ADA Awareness celebration? To find out where a celebration is near you, go to this link.

It is only two weeks away, what will you be doing on this anniversary?

What does the ADA mean to you???