July 26, 2020, marks the 30th anniversary of the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights legislation explicitly opened access and opportunity to the estimated 20% of Americans who have some form of disability.
The official theme of this year’s celebration is “Thanks to the ADA.” There are so many things that we are grateful of the ADA for making law, here are a few:
- Reducing physical barriers to access public buildings and private entities
- Access to inclusive education in public schools
- Employment opportunities through reasonable accommodations
- Accessible public transportation
- Integrated seating for people in wheelchairs and their families/caregivers in sports arenas and theaters
- Parents with disabilities the opportunity to be as engaged and active with their child’s education as nondisabled parents
- A focus on communitybased living and away from institutions as the default option for care
- Accommodations for service dogs
- An ADA coordinator for all public municipalities with over 50 employees
We also want to say a special “thank you” to all of the disability advocates and lawmakers who worked tirelessly until the ADA became a law! Since President George H.W. Bush signed this law in 1990, the ADA is still trying to find its way in this ever-changing landscape.
We acknowledge that many employers, business owners, and even local government officials may still not fully understand their obligations under the law, and we all need to work at creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society.
At National Ramp, we believe the ADA has done so much more than telling us the regulations for ramps (more information here), it reminds us that no one should be discriminated against for any reason, no matter how you roll.
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Why wait? Give us a call at 877-596-7293 or contact us online to get started!