This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
This landmark piece of civil rights legislation, the ADA renewed and enlarged our nation’s founding ideal of equality for all by prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including employment, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
Twenty five years ago:
Photo: Source: Public Domain): President George H. W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 into law. Pictured (left to right): Evan Kemp, Rev Harold Wilke, Pres. Bush, Sandra Parrino, Justin Dart. President Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act on the White House South Lawn on July 26, 1990. The act prohibited employer discrimination on the basis of disability. Date: July 26, 1990.
— President George H.W. Bush stood on the South Lawn and declared a new American Independence Day. “With today’s signing of the landmark Americans [with] Disabilities Act,” he said, “every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, freedom and independence”, said President Obama (D.) on July 21, 2015 giving President George H. W. Bush (R.) credit for signing this law.
The current United States President, the federal, state and municipal governments provide more protection and more opportunities for people with disabilities in modern era.
The following are excerpts from President Barack Obama speech on July 21, 2015
The ADA offered millions of people the opportunity to earn a living and help support their families. But we all know too many people with disabilities are still unemployed — even though they can work, even though they want to work, even though they have so much to contribute. In some cases, it’s a lack of access to skills training. In some cases, it’s an employer that can’t see all that these candidates for a job have to offer. Maybe sometimes people doubt their own self-worth after experiencing a lifetime of discouragement and expectations that were too low. Whatever the reason, we’ve got to do better — our country cannot let all that incredible talent go to waste, President Obama.
llinois celebrates 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Hundreds turnout to commemorate landmark civil rights act
Chicago – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), along with other state agencies, councils, and program partner ADA 25 Chicago, hosted a celebratory event honor the 25th anniversary of the signing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on July 21, 2015.
“As a working mom living with Multiple Sclerosis, I know firsthand the importance of the ADA,” said Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti. “It’s important to recognize the everyday success stories of Illinoisans living, working and succeeding with disabilities. This event is just one of the many ways we can help ensure that people with disabilities are able to fully participate in every aspect of our community.”
The ADA 25 Illinois Celebration in Chicago featured many activities to empower those with disabilities. The interactive and informative event included a job fair; employment and ADA issue workshops; arts and sports activities and exhibits from federal, state and local organizations.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act was landmark civlegislation that started an entire nation on a path to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities and has enabled them to access all areas of public life without fear of discrimination. Because of the ADA, people with disabilities can live independent lives and access opportunities in education, employment and the communities in which they live,” said IDHS Secretary-designate, James Dimas. “Through the many programs and services we offer, IDHS is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities and enabling them to reach their employment, education and independent living goals,” he continued.
To further encourage all Illinoisans to reaffirm the principles of equality and inclusion, Governor Bruce Rauner proclaimed July 21, 2015 the Americans with Disabilities Act Day.
The ADA 25 Illinois Celebration in Chicago occurred at the James R. Thompson Center on July 21, 2015.
An additional celebration was held in Springfield on June 16, 2015, at the Old State Capitol Plaza. The events and workshops for both were free and accessible and open to the general public.
Governor Bruce Rauner announced special Proclamation on 25th Anniversary of ADS in Illinois.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/