ADA 35
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in line with the national theme of Disability Justice, the library is highlighting the achievements of the ADA--celebrating its accomplishments and highlighting the work still left undone.
An important civil rights law, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public places and private places that are open to the general public. It became federal law July 26, 1990, and intends to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Check out our upcoming and past events below, along with additional information and resources.
Have Questions?
Amy Holcomb, Learning Experiences Manager
Upcoming Events
Developmental Playgroup
Friday, July 18, 2025, 1:30 pm
An inclusive drop-in playgroup for children age 0-5 who receive or whose families are considering therapy services. Children play while families meet and find support. Siblings are welcome.
Early Entry: An Accessibility Hour
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 11:00 am
Families and individuals who need a quiet, uncrowded environment are invited to use the library before we open.
Melody and Motion Sensory Storytime
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 12:15 pm
This sensory musical storytime is full of songs, movement, rhymes, and stories.
Disability Pride Picnic
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 12:15 pm
Celebrate Disability Pride Month in the South Courtyard with food, art activities, and teen books by authors with disabilities.
Sensory-Friendly Family Movie: Dog Man
Monday, July 21, 2025, 2:30 pm
This screening is designed for everyone, including families with neurodivergent children and others who may benefit from a less sensory-intense movie experience.
Sensory Art
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 3:00 pm
Make art and get creative in this drop-in event for kids of all ages, including families with children with disabilities or those who would enjoy additional sensory input.
DIY Support Tools for Kids and Teens with ADHD
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1:00 pm
ADHD can affect things like working memory and executive function. Try making your own tools to support your everyday needs.
Learn About Disability Pride Month
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2:00 pm
Learn about the experiences of those in the disability community and share your story. Try your hand at trivia, and take home a small giveaway.
Friend Squad
Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:00 pm
Meet new people in a supportive environment and watch your circle of friends grow.
Accessibility Tools for People Who Are Visually Impaired
Thursday, August 7, 2025, 6:30 pm
How can people with visual impairments identify colors and currency? How might they read a recipe or nutritional facts on a package?
Low Vision Support Group
Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 1:30 pm
Learn about current research, assistive devices, and community resources for people who have been diagnosed with an eye condition or have a family member who has vision impairment.
Learn More
For a quick overview of the ADA, watch this video. Visit ADA.gov for an introduction to the law itself. Find out about accessibility services at the library on our Accessibility page.
Read
Our expert staff have curated lists connected to disability justice:
Further reading:
- Short fact sheet on the main aspects and sections of the ADA legislation from the ADA National network
- Article by Robert L. Burgdorf Jr., a disabled person and a key figure in the drafting and enactment of the ADA
- Profiles and personal stories of disabled people reflecting on the ADA’s impact
Listen
- ADA Live! is an ongoing podcast from the Southeast ADA Center in Lexington, KY. We recommend the episodes on making government programs and services accessible, and improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
- Civics 101 is a podcast about how the government works. This episode from 2018 features an author and disability studies specialist to discuss some of the aspects of the ADA and its implementation.
- NPR’s Throughline Podcast: A.D.A Now! from 2020 presents personal stories of the ‘hidden’ aspects of American history and how the ADA affected real people.
Watch
- President George H.W. Bush announces the signing of the ADA at the National Archives on July 26, 1990.
- PBS North Carolina presents: the Gang of 18 - ADA Movement details how 19 wheelchair users blocked city buses that were inaccessible and helped inspire the movement toward the ADA.
- Crip Camp: Disability Revolution is an Oscar-nominated full-length documentary available on Netflix's official YouTube channel, featuring the stories of a group of teens from a summer camp in the 1970s who became activists in the disability rights movement.