Nearly 33 years ago, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including public services, telecommunications, education, transportation and establishments that are open to the public.
We’ve made great progress toward achieving the promise of the ADA; however, people with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty and four times more likely to experience homelessness. They experience higher rates of unemployment, and those who are employed earn less than workers who do not have a disability.
People with disabilities have less access to health care, have more depression and anxiety, engage more often in risky health behaviors such as smoking, and are less physically active. They face poorer health outcomes and barriers in access to healthcare.
As NCDHHS celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the ADA, we reflect on what the law means for the one in four North Carolinians living with a disability and recommit to full inclusion and participation for all people with disabilities.
Ways to Celebrate the ADA Anniversary:
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Learn how assistive technology devices increase inclusion at work and in the community by attending NCATP’s Accessibility for All session on July 20.
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Find and attend an ADA event near you: NCCDD - Upcoming Events.
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Learn about how the ADA protects people with “invisible” disabilities.
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Explore what data tells us about disabilities in the U.S. through disability statistics, examine how regional differences and the urban/rural divide contribute to higher rates of disability in southern states like North Carolina, and check out other resources on disabilities from the U.S. Census.
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Share what the ADA means to you on social media using the hashtag #ThankstotheADA, #ADA33 and #ADA33NC.
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Recognize the difference between service animals and emotional support animals (English and Spanish).
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Talk to your kids about the ADA using a guide for kids up to grade 5, grades 6-8, and grades 9 and up.
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Support artists with disabilities.
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Learn how to host events that are accessible for people who are blind or have low vision and who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
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Make your content accessible by providing alt-text for images and captions or transcripts for videos.