This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the ADA is a landmark civil rights law that ensures people with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities—at work, in schools, in public spaces, and beyond.
As we celebrate #ADA35, we honor the strength, resilience, and advocacy of the disability community who made this milestone possible. Join us in recognizing this important moment in our history and continuing the push for equity and inclusion.
Cities Across Tennessee Celebrate ADA 35
Communities throughout Tennessee are officially recognizing July 26, 2025, as "Americans with Disabilities Act 35th Anniversary Day." Click the blue dropdown below to see if your city is joining in the celebration.
Please note: this is an ongoing list, so be sure to check back often.
Cities that have confirmed proclamations:
- Chattanooga - Download as PDF or TXT
- Clarksville - Download as PDF or TXT
- Collierville - Download as PDF or TXT
- Franklin - Download as PDF or TXT
- Johnson City - Download as PDF or TXT
- Kingsport - Download as PDF or TXT
- Knoxville - Download as PDF or TXT
- Memphis - Download as PDF or TXT
- Murfreesboro - Download as PDF or TXT
- Nashville - Download as PDF or TXT
- Smyrna - Download as PDF or TXT
Cities that have committed:
These TN communities have committed to issuing a proclamation and once we receive it, we will upload it here.
- Bartlett
- Brentwood
- Cleveland
- Columbia
- Gallatin
- Hamilton County
- Hendersonville
- Jackson
- Lebanon
- Spring Hill
TDC Member Organizations Celebrate ADA 35
Our member organizations are coming together to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a variety of events across the state. Click the blue dropdown menu below to see if there’s one happening near you.
Please note: this is an ongoing list of events, so be sure to check back often.
disABILITY Resource Center's ADA Anniversary Celebration - Knoxville, TN
Join the disABILITY Resource Center in Knoxville as they celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ADA at the Grand Event Center on Clinton HWY on Friday, July 25th, at 12:00 noon ET. You can RSVP by emailing Katherine Moore at kmoore@drctn.org by July 15th.
Empower Tennessee's ADA Anniversary Celebration - Nashville, TN
Join Empower Tennessee on Friday, July 25 from 2–4pm CT at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville to honor the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Enjoy full museum access, free admission, and an afternoon of reflection and celebration. Registration is free but required, with space limited to 125 attendees. You can learn more and register at this link.
T.A.R.P. Center for Independent Living's ADA Anniversary Celebration - Paris, TN
Join T.A.R.P. Center for Independent Living as they celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ADA on Saturday, August 2nd, from 10am-12:30pm CT at their office (1027 Mineral Wells Ave. Suite 7, Paris, TN, 38242). This is a free event, so come enjoy an ice cream social, bingo, information sharing, ADA discussion, and more. Plus a video from a very special guest, Tony Coelho! If you have questions about the event, you can email Amber at tarpils2@tarp1.org.
TDC's Effective Communication Workshop - Memphis, TN
Join us in Memphis on Saturday, July 26th, from 2-5pm CT at the First Congregation Church for a 3-hour interactive workshop covering the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Effective Communication under the ADA. You RSVP and request accommodations at this link.
The City of Chattanooga's ADA Anniversary Celebration - Chattanooga, TN
Join the City of Chattanooga Mayor's Council on Disability on Friday, July 25th from 10am-1pm ET at Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park to celebrate and commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Free Food, Vendors, Networking Opportunities and more! Follow this link for more information.
Tennessee Democracy Network's Empowering Voters with Disabilities ADA 35 Workshop - Virtual
In recognition of Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) join the Tennessee Democracy Network and TDC for a virtual workshop on Wednesday, July 30th, from 3-4 pm ET, focused on voting rights you have as a person living with a disability. Follow this link to register and request accommodations. If you have questions about this event, please email Tara at tara@tndemocracynetwork.com.
Are you hosting an ADA 35 event? Fill out the form at this link to let us know.
What Does the ADA Mean to You?
Join the celebration by sharing your story! Explore our ADA 35 Social Media Toolkit—filled with ready-to-use images, messaging points, and hashtags—to help you show your support and celebrate the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Want to learn more about the ADA?
If you're interested in diving deeper into the history and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, check out the resources linked below:
Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA History - In Their Own Words: Part One