How Will You Celebrate the ADA?

This month will mark the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights legislation has changed lives and formed the basis for similar legislation in countries around the world. We’ve shared personal reflections on the ADA from our Director, Mark Odum, and other NARIC staff members, on life before and after the ADA and what it means to have a “seat at the table.” It’s amazing to consider that there are young adults with disabilities, including college students, job seekers, and newcomers to the workforce, who have grown up with the ADA. We wish we could say these young people don’t know a world with barriers to places, programs, and services, but these barriers (physical, digital, programmatic, and attitudinal) still exist. Change is happening, however, and we here at NARIC will celebrate the future of access and participation for everyone! How are you and your organization celebrating the ADA? Share your plans in the comments!

• Visit the ADA National Network and its ten regional centers to find out what celebrations are happening around you!
  • Check out the ADA Live! monthly webcast for interviews and discussions on many topic related to the ADA.
  • The ADA Regional Centers offer a diverse selection webcasts and courses, from emergency management to disability in the workplace to making technology accessible for all.
  • State and local governments can use the new ADA Action Guide to help meet their inclusion goals.
• Learn more about NIDILRR-funded projects on universal and inclusive design in health and fitness, wireless communication technology, information technology, architecture, and transportation.
• Look back at NIDILRR-funded ADA publications from 1990, 95, 2000, 2005, 2010, and the 25th anniversary year (2015), and explore ADA research by subtopics, all available from the NARIC collection.
• Call us at 800/346-2742 or email naricinfo@heitechservices.com if we can help you identify articles, books, reports, or specific projects to help you and your organization become more inclusive.