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…