30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), introduced in 1990, is one of America’s most notable civil
rights acts. The ADA has been protecting the promise of equal opportunity by prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities for 30 years. Through regulations that mandate building and website accessibility, reasonable accommodations for workers, students, travelers, shoppers, voters, and anyone using public services; the ADA has ensured that millions of Americans with disabilities have equal opportunities in all facets of life: employment, public accommodations, state and local government, transportation, and telecommunications. Great strides have been made since the ADA became law to reduce barriers to equality for people with disabilities. As the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education celebrates 30 years of the ADA, we pledge to continue the work started by others so that Americans with disabilities have equal access to meaningful lives of choice and self-determination.