Happy Belated ADA Anniversary: 34 Years of the ADA: A Reflection and Call-to-Action!

Hey guys!

It has been a few weeks since history was made when George H.W. Bush signed legislation, which provided rights and freedom to disabled people!

Thirty-four years ago on July 26th, 2024, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) brought a transformative sense of relief and freedom to the disability community. For the first time, this landmark legislation offered hope, justice, and a promise of equality. It recognized the fundamental rights of disabled individuals—the right to education, equal access to telecommunications, healthcare, and more. Most importantly, it prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability and gave disabled people rights.

The ADA gave disabled people a voice, a platform to pursue their dreams, and a chance to be fully integrated into society. They had sit ins and protests to ensure that they were being heard. They wanted make sure that disabled people were and continuing to be apart of society. Activists like Judy Heumann, Justin Dart Jr., Ed Roberts, Andraéa LaVant, and countless others were at the forefront of this movement, fighting tirelessly to ensure that disabled individuals were seen and heard. Their actions—whether crawling, walking with crutches, or rolling up to Capitol Hill—demanded recognition and justice.

Capitol Crawl, March 12, 1990

We remember the passing of the ADA not just as a victory, but as a testament to the strength and determination of those who never gave up, even when the world seemed indifferent. This legacy is a call to all of us to continue their fight, to push for more accessible spaces—more ramps, more doors, more sidewalks. It’s a reminder that accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental right.

Also, inclusive places are crucial for us to succeed and thrive in society. We need inclusive environments, from having more closed captioning for zooms and TV programs, more ASL interpreters, and more ways to communicate with others in public spaces. We must also provide better resources and support systems to empower disabled individuals in every aspect of life. There has been a lot of progress because disabled people and supporters have been fighting and creating new tools and technologies!

Today, disabled people are continuing to challenge and change the narrative. Activists, educators, CEOs, artists, politicians, and advocates like Imani Barbarin, Haben Girma, Alice Wong, Lauren Potter and many others —with and without disabilities—are working tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the disability community are heard, respected, and valued.

Call-to-Action

I urge you to keep learning about disability history. Disability history is an integral part of American history, and indeed, world history. By understanding and honoring this history, we can all play a role in making the world a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone. We can change each other’s lives by listening and checking up on each other.

Love Enabled Everything!

*Please fact check. This is the opinion of Enabled Everything*

Disability Pride 2017