Published On: July 24, 2014

Today’s blog post was written by Sam Sanders
Twenty-four years ago, on July 26, 1990, George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. This was a huge step forward for all disability activists and changed the lives of millions.
 
Image of President Barack Obama Signing New ADA Rules and Celebrating the 20th Anniversary in 2010 (Courtesy WhiteHouse.Gov)
What does this act do? It is fairly simple, exciting and important. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities that are like those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and religion. It also guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and State and local government services.
Here are 7 fun facts about the impact the ADA has made:

  1. The number of federal employees with disabilities has increased to nearly 12% of all federal employees in 2013, up from 7% in 2010.
  2. States like Oregon and Illinois are creating more supply-side opportunities for people with disabilities. This is called becoming a State as a Model Employer.
  3. Newly designed or newly constructed amusement rides must be accessible and located on an accessible route to the ride
  4. At least 50% of all holes on a miniature golf course must be accessible. These accessible holes must be consecutive, and they must be on an accessible route.
  5. Newly designed, newly constructed, or altered fishing piers must provide accessible routes, subject to the same expectations permitted for gangways.
  6. Accessible means of entry/exit are required for swimming pools.
  7. Students with documented disabilities may request academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids which enable them to participate in and benefit from allpost-secondary educational programs and activities.

As you can see, the ADA has made a huge impact on millions of lives. Not only are long over due implications finally being made, but society is truly working to make sure that everyone is treated equally. Easter Seals Project Action is focused on increasing access to transportation for people with disabilities and has a lot of information for individuals, businesses and government entities on their website here: http://www.projectaction.org/.