It’s easy to see a month like Disability Pride Month and overlook its origins. For instance, how many people know that Disability Pride Month is part of a greater celebration marking the month the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law – a historic piece of legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities. This comprehensive civil rights law prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in everyday life. Like many critical legislative achievements, the journey to the ADA was long and challenging, but its impact continues to shape a more inclusive society.

The journey toward the ADA began long before it was signed into law, rooted in the broader civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, advocacy for disability rights focused on securing basic human rights, including access to education, employment, and public spaces. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was a precursor to the ADA, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, programs receiving federal financial assistance, and in federal employment.

Despite the Act’s provisions, advocates for disability rights recognized the need for more legislation to address widespread discrimination, and throughout the 1980s, a coalition of disability rights activists, including organizations like the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), worked to draft and promote what would become the ADA. These efforts were bolstered by high-profile demonstrations and campaigns that highlighted the barriers faced by people with disabilities.

The first version of the ADA was introduced to Congress in 1988, and the final version of the bill passed with broad bipartisan support – something we don’t see a whole lot of anymore. The ADA’s five titles prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, ensures equal access to public services and accommodations, mandates accessible telecommunications, and includes various implementation and enforcement provisions.

On its first anniversary of the ADA in 1991, communities and organizations held events to commemorate the groundbreaking legislation and to celebrate the progress made in advancing the rights of people with disabilities. These celebrations included public gatherings, educational programs, and advocacy events, highlighting both the achievements and the ongoing challenges in the fight for disability rights. The first celebration was a Disability Pride Day that took place in Boston in 1990, and Chicago hosted the first Disability Pride Parade in 2004.

In subsequent years, the ADA anniversary has become a time for reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion. The ADA has had a profound impact on American society, opening doors for millions of people with disabilities. It has led to the removal of countless physical barriers, increased accessibility in public and private spaces, and raised awareness about the rights and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

However, the fight for full inclusion and equality continues. Advocates and allies must remain vigilant to ensure that the ADA's promise is fully realized. The ADA serves as both a milestone and a reminder that there is still work to be done to achieve true equality for all. Join all of us at CIL as we celebrate this anniversary and look ahead to a future that continues to be more inclusive to those with disabilities.

Back to Tools & Resources