AARC Celebrates Disability Pride Month and the Americans with Disabilities Act 

July 26th marks the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. In its original iteration, the ADA banned discrimination on the basis of disability in areas of employment, public accommodation, transportation, telecommunications, and more. The ADA has continued to evolve, leading to its amendment (ADAAA) in 2008 when it was adjusted to expand the definition of people with disabilities, making it easier for people to seek protection. The ADA paved the way for the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which established programs for independent living and access to public buildings; the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1974, and the Fair Housing Act amendment in 1988. Read about the ADA in more depth, the history of people with Disabilities in our country, and the road to equality. There is still more work to be done, but this historic piece of legislature was a huge beginning to Disability justice for many and is worth celebrating!

Activities you can do to celebrate Disability Pride Month:

Complete our ADA Scavenger Hunt:

• Title III of the ADA has specific guidelines regarding public use buildings like movie theaters, schools, restaurants, and doctor’s offices. Check out this list of things to look for at your favorite public buildings or at home/in your neighborhood to see if they are accessible!

Watch Crip Camp on Netflix (Rated R), or learn more on their website.

Attend the City of Boston’s ADA Day on July 18: