ADA 30th Anniversary
On July 26th, 1990 President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation. The ADA prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life: to enjoy equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
We invite you to learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act by exploring the stories below:
A Celebration of the ADA and its Impact on Voting Rights
The purpose of this event was to highlight the many ways in which the Americans with Disabilities Act has impacted voting rights. Panelists discussed the progress that has been made, the work that has yet to be done, and why it’s important to vote in the upcoming elections. Panelists for…
A Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
The video features Wisconsinites with disabilities, DRW staff, Governor Evers, and other disability advocates speaking about the impact of the ADA.
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, tells the story of a camp for teens with disabilities which helped to galvanize many of the teens and counselors to become activists in the disability rights movement Disability activist Judy Heumann, was a counselor at the camp and a leader in the struggle for…
Learn about ADAPT
ADAPT members played a key role in advocacy for the passage of the ADA. ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom. ADAPT…
Locals recognize upcoming anniversary of ADA
Thanks to Chris Wood for your advocacy! Read the article from the Leader-Telegram.
Disability Pride: The High Expectations of a New Generation
“Millions of young people grew up knowing the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act as a birthright. They now demand its guarantees — and even more.” Read the New York Times article on Disability Pride.
Tom Olin Rooted in Rights Video
Our thanks to Tom Olin, the social documentarian of the disability rights movement, for permission to use his photos in our ADA celebration. Tom spent his life in the grassroots, building an incredible collection of iconic photos of the historic struggle for civil rights and inclusion. Rooted in Rights spoke…
Governor Tony Evers ADA Celebration Proclamation
Governor Tony Evers celebrates the impact of the ADA in ensuring civil rights, and advancing inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. The Governor notes that as we celebrate, we recognize that much work still needs to be done to insure equity and equality for folks with disabilities, and reaffirm…
Cindy Bently – ADA Celebrating 30 Years Strong
Cindy Bentley, Executive Director of People First Wisconsin, reflects on how the ADA made a difference in her life and so many others.
Sandy Popp – ADA Celebrating 30 Years Strong
Sandy Popp, of Options for Independent Living in Green Bay advocated for the passage of the ADA on Capital Hill. In this video, Sandy reflects on the progress made as a result of the ADA and the need to continue the battle for access for all people, especially this year…
Denise Jess – ADA Celebrating 30 Years Strong
Denise Jess, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired reflects on how the ADA has increased access to the ballot box for voters with disabilities – and the continuing challenges to ensure accessible voting. Wisconsin does not have an accessible absentee ballot.
The Capital Crawl
Read about the protest that made national headlines and led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Capital Crawl (adalegacy.com) Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
Video of President Bush’s Speech at ADA Signing
This video documents the speech given by President George H. W. Bush when he signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990. In the video, President Bush speaks to a huge audience of activists, Congressional supporters, people with disabilities, and their families and friends gathered…
Ed Roberts, Activist
Ed Roberts, Activist: This section of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Web site is dedicated to the life, work and legacy of Ed Roberts, a pioneering leader of the disability rights movement. Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The ADA National Network provides an overview of the ADA and the five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life. Learn about the ADA. Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
The ADA Legacy Project: Women Leaders of the ADA
The ADA Legacy Project teaches about the Women Leaders of the ADA Movement. You can read about this and other moments in the ADA on their website. Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Check out the The ADA National Network’s Timeline of the American’s with Disabilities Act. Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
Disability Rights through Tom Olin’s Lens
Tom Olin is revered for his photos documenting the disability rights movement. Tom also was one of the organizers of the ADA Legacy Tour bus, a traveling exhibit that he and others drove across the country for the ADA 25th anniversary. DRW is fortunate to have the opportunity to share…
ADA Publications and Videos from the ADA National Network
The ADA National Network has a great collection of publications and videos to help people learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act! Back to ADA 30th Anniversary Page
Ashley Mathy – ADA Celebrating 30 Years Strong
Ashley Mathy, People First Wisconsin, talks about the importance of the ADA in advancing voting rights. Ashley plans to vote absentee this year. Check out Ashley’s call to action!
John Nousaine – ADA Celebrating 30 Years Strong
John Nousaine was Executive Direction of North Country Independent Living, until he retired in 2019. In this video, John reflects on the impact of the ADA and the need to keep agitating for change.