This month we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of one of the most important pieces of legislation in our nation’s history – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, this civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
The law’s purpose is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The law was amended in 2008 to making a number of significant changes to the definition of “disability.”
Though we’ve seen many changes over the years in making our nation more accessible, Texas still has some work to do. Disability Rights Texas remains dedicated to creating a Lone Star State where people with disabilities can live and thrive in our communities.
You can celebrate the ADA this year and support our work by purchasing one of our “Imagine” t-shirts. Spread a message of inclusion while supporting our work to make Texas fully accessible. And buy a few extra for family and friends!
Thank you for your continued support of our work.