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.
We are thrilled to welcome Whitney Hill, founder and director of SPORK! to deliver our keynote address on Sunday, June 8. Whitney Hill will lead a discussion on the history and impact of the ADA and how the ADA continues to serve as a foundation for inclusive, intersectional design. We were first introduced to Whitney when she spoke at our annual staff day about the history of the ADA and how organizations can create accessible spaces. Our staff was moved by her speech and reaffirmed the library's commitment to creating accessible and inclusive services.
Have Questions?
Amy Holcomb, Learning Experiences Manager
Upcoming Events
Nothing About Us, Without Us: History and Impact of the ADA
Sunday, June 8, 2025, 2:00 pm
Whitney Hill, founder and director of SPORK!, leads a discussion on the history and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Low Vision Support Group
Tuesday, June 10, 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.
Library Learning for All Abilities : Teen Summer Service
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 3:30 pm
Autistic youth and young people with disabilities age 15-19 are invited to develop job skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Developmental Playgroup
Friday, June 20, 2025, 1:30 pm
This drop-in inclusive playgroup is for children who receive or are considering therapy services, age birth-5. Children play while families meet and find support.
Minds of All Kinds: Exploring ADHD, Autism, and Neurodiverse Experiences
Monday, June 23, 2025, 6:30 pm
Facilitated by neurodivergent volunteers from diverse backgrounds, this workshop provides a space to share information about neurodiversity.
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.