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:

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

Watch the HHS 35th Anniversary of the ADA Event Video

The Administration for Community Living and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights honored 35 years of progress since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event brought together individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, and leaders in a shared commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

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

Featured Videos

Meet Disability Advocate Garrett Frey
Hear how HHS' enforcement of Olmstead ensures individuals with disabilities can live in their homes and communities.
Meet Foster Mom Linda Pistoulis
Hear how HHS' enforcement of the ADA removed barriers for individuals with disabilities to be foster parents. In the years following this recording for the ADA 30^th anniversary, Linda has remained a dedicated foster parent and also supports individuals with disabilities and trauma survivors.