Today is July 26, and we take a moment to celebrate a milestone in the disability rights movement: the signing into law of the Americans with Disabilities Act. So, 34 years later, we look back at how it all started and what it still means today.
A Conversation about the Origins of the ADA
Last July, our Bridges Project celebrated the 33rd birthday of the ADA by interviewing people who were there when it happened and remain active today. Chris Nusbaum, our Bridges Project Coordinator (who is also a Social Support Specialist for our Public Health Services program), sat down with two original ADA advocates: Barbara Pierce and Dan Frye. Both leaders in the National Federation of the Blind, Barbara and Dan share perspectives on pre-ADA life for people with disabilities, why the ADA was so important, why some advocates in the disability community were skeptical at first, the pros and cons of post-ADA life, and much more. Check out Origins of the ADA on the Bridges YouTube channel.
What’s Next?
34 years later, the work of ADA advocacy is far from over. We take this anniversary to celebrate the progress that has been made in the past 34 years, but we should also commit to building on that progress. Stay tuned to our website and social media to see the advocacy efforts we’re involved in and how you can join us to make our world more accessible for everyone.