The 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
MARYLAND. – The Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990. For the anniversary of the signing, advocacy groups are reminding the public of the law’s importance.
The legislation brought changes to employment, public accommodations and telecommunications, aiming to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination.
Ann Deschamps of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center called it one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history.
“The purpose of the ADA was to level the playing field so people with disabilities could participate in our society just like everyone else,” Deschamps said. “In order for them to participate like everyone else, they have to be treated like everyone else.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 Americans has a disability, and one-third of those individuals have more than one.
“If you don’t have one,” Deschamps added, “you likely will before you leave this earth.”
