ADA History

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George Herbert Walker Bush on July 26, 1990 (www.ada.gov/pubs/ada.htm). People with disabilities, their friends and family often refer to this date as “another 4th of July,” reflecting the significant impact of civil rights protections within the law.

The civil rights protections are similar to those provided on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. They guarantee equal opportunity for people with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. The ADA has helped to break down many barriers to access, resulting in many more people with disabilities being able participate in American life, thereby contributing their individual skills and talents.

Timeline of the ADA