Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary

In his proclamation to recognize the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), President Joe Biden encourages Americans to celebrate the 33rd year of this defining moment in Civil Rights law and the essential contributions of individuals with disabilities. He highlights the impact of the ADA on the nation as well as the work left to ensure that those with disabilities have equal opportunities. President Biden discusses his Administration’s current efforts to advance employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities in the federal workforce, make transit and public spaces more accessible, and to support the disability community post-pandemic.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division hosted a program to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the passage of the ADA and to highlight the need to address unnecessary interactions between people with disabilities and the criminal justice system. The program, entitled “Addressing the Criminalization of People with Disabilities,” focused on the department’s efforts to combat disability discrimination that leads to needless criminal justice involvement, particularly with respect to people with mental health disabilities and substance use disorders.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates the passage of the ADA, which set expectations for equal access and established the right to community living. However, the current system of long-term services and supports and a workforce shortage that has reached crisis levels threatens to reverse the progress made in the past three decades. The ACL explains how they and the Biden Administration are working to ensure people with disabilities can continue to live and fully participate in their communities.

The U.S. Department of State proudly celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the ADA, which continues to inspire countries and communities around the world to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. They honor they work of the international disability community, whose skills and contributions bring innovation, diversity and value to their societies, communities, and families.

In honor of the 33rd anniversary of the ADA, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) celebrates the significant advances the public health community has made to reduce health disparities and improve inclusion for the disability community. However, people with disabilities still experience significant disparities across health conditions. The CDC commits to work across public health disciplines to improve disability inclusion. Read about the CDC’s efforts, partnerships, and programs to advance disability inclusion.

The Administration for Community Living created this resource to educate the public about the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes the origin of the ADA, crafting the law, and becoming law. The page also highlights stories of people impacted by the ADA as well as tools and resources.

To celebrate the anniversaries of the Rehab Act and ADA, EARN and JAN are hosting a discussion on the significance of accommodations in achieving the goals of the Rehab Act and ADA and how they contribute to creating inclusive workplaces.