July 26, 2015 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Celebrations of the signing of the ADA by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990 are taking place across the nation.
The ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) give 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. The ADA and ADAAA also assure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, state and local government programs and services, and telecommunications.
To celebrate this 25th milestone, the ADA National Network and its ten regional ADA Centers across the United States offer an ADA Anniversary Tool Kit for use by the public and the media through the ADA Anniversary website (ADAanniversary.org).
The ADA Anniversary Tool Kit contains:
- ADA25 Pledge & Proclamations
- Publications - ADA, including background and history on the ADA; disability statistics; information about the Supreme Court Olmstead Decision prohibiting the unnecessary institutionalization of persons with disabilities.
- Videos - ADA
- Resources - ADA
- Training - ADA
- Media Kit for ADA Anniversary, including tips on writing a news release, social media posts; email signatures; e-Postcards; stickers template; web badges; and more downloads for the ADA25 Pledge On! initiative.
“Since 1991, the 10 Regional ADA Centers in the ADA National Network have worked to change the landscape for individuals with disabilities by providing free, confidential and accurate information, resources and training to businesses, employers, and state and local governments on their responsibilities under the ADA, “ said Pamela Williamson, Director of the Southeast ADA Center. “The ADA Centers also provide free and confidential answers to questions asked by people with disabilities, their families and other advocates, as well as veterans living across the United States.
“Because of the outreach, training and technical assistance the Network has done to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA, people with disabilities now have better access to businesses, buildings, state and local government programs and services, as well as increased opportunities for competitive employment. And their opportunities for full participation in community life are increasing every day.”
The ADA National Network of 10 Regional ADA Centers receive hundreds of calls on their toll free number: 1-800-949-4232 (voice/tty) that connects callers to the ADA Center serving their region. The ADA National Network is the “go to” resource for information, guidance and training on the ADA and its implementation — call toll free 1-800-949-4232 (voice/tty) or visit their website at adata.org. All calls are free and confidential.
The ADA National Network is also proud to sponsor the ADA Legacy Tour and partner with the ADA Legacy Project to promote the theme "Disability Rights are Civil Rights" - participate in interactive exhibits and informative workshops that raise awareness of the ADA and excitement for the 25th ADA Anniversary. For more information and the current schedule of the Tour, visit their website at adalegacy.com/ada25/ada-legacy-tour.
Learn, Connect & Share about the ADA Anniversary
Social Media Sample Announcement
Get ready to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ADA on July 26, 2015 with the ADA Anniversary Tool Kit - everything you need to share your ADA efforts and become a part of the ADA25 nationwide celebration and recommitment. Connect, Share & PLEDGE ON! to the 25th ADA Anniversary. Download Tool Kit now at www.adaanniversary.org.
Facebook Sample Announcement
Celebrate the ADA in countdown to the 25th Anniversary of the ADA on July 26, 2015 - Explore the ADA Anniversary Tool Kit- Connect, Share & PLEDGE ON! to the 25th ADA Anniversary at www.adaanniversary.org.
Twitter Sample Announcement
Celebrate the ADA in countdown to the 25th Anniversary of the ADA on July 26, 2015. www.adaanniversary.org.
Links to Share
- ADA Anniversary Tool Kit - ADA25 Pledge, Publications, Events, Resources, Training, Videos, Media Kit
- Press Release: ADA Anniversary Tool Kit: Celebrate the 25th ADA Anniversary
- ADA National Network - ADA Anniversary, ADA Publications & Training
- Add Your ADA Anniversary Event to the ADA National Network Calendar
About the ADA National Network
The ADA National Network is the premier resource for information, guidance and training on the ADA and its implementation. The Network consists of 10 Regional ADA Centers located throughout the United States that provide services and assistance tailored to meet the needs of local businesses, government and individuals. The ADA National Network is not an enforcement or regulatory agency—but rather a helpful resource. Contact the ADA National Network with questions on the Americans with Disabilities Act or to find a Regional ADA Center near you, call 1-800-949-4232 (voice/tty). All calls are confidential. Visit the ADA National Network website for links to extensive ADA information and training opportunities at www.adata.org.
About the Southeast ADA Center
The Southeast ADA Center is a project of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University. The Center answers questions, provides training and materials about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Center serves an eight-state geographic region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. As part of the ADA National Network sponsored by grants from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Southeast ADA Center is one of 10 Regional ADA Centers offering training and technical assistance to promote voluntary compliance with the ADA, including information about the rights of people with disabilities and the responsibilities of businesses as well as state and helpful resource. For more information, visit the Southeast ADA Center website at ADAsoutheast.org.
