OCR Commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act 35th Anniversary

HHS, through the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Visit the ADA anniversary website where you can:

  1. Uncover the origins of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  2. Examine national advancements in fulfilling the ADA's promise.
  3. Explore governmental efforts (HHS and beyond) to eliminate obstacles for people with disabilities.
  4. Hear personal accounts from individuals with disabilities on the ADA's effect on their lives.
ADA 2025 celebrating 35 years of Americans with disability act

HHS 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act Virtual Event

Join individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, and leaders for our upcoming virtual event on Monday, July 28th, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm ET.

More about ADA

Historical Spotlight

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. This landmark civil rights law is a critical part of the HHS OCR's disability non-discrimination work, along with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Learn more

ADA Signing Ceremony


Featured Videos

  • Meet Disability Advocate Garrett Frey

    How HHS' enforcement of Olmstead ensures individuals with disabilities can live in their homes and communities

  • Meet Foster Mom Linda Pistoulis

    How HHS' enforcement of the ADA removed barriers for individuals with disabilities to be foster parents

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