This week, NCDHHS celebrated 33 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.
Gov. Cooper signed a proclamation recognizing that the ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 – an anniversary that was celebrated across the nation, and proclaimed July 26 as “Americans with Disabilities Act Day.”
The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that ensures full and equal access to civil, economic and social life for people with disabilities while banning discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, government services, public accommodations, businesses, transportation and communications. Its passage marked the culmination of decades of advocacy and grass-roots activism.
Executive Order 92 declared North Carolina to be an Employment First state and directed the Office of State Human Resources to transform state government into a model employer of people with disabilities while also giving individuals the freedom and tools to decide whether and when to declare a disability.
Research has shown that one in five North Carolinians is born with or will acquire a disability during their lifetime. Everyone has the right to fully participate in society and the economy, while contributing their talents and skills. It is fitting for the state of North Carolina to renew its commitment to eliminating barriers to inclusion and full participation in the state’s communities and economy.
As the state continues to prioritize equal opportunities for all of its residents, NCDHHS celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the ADA as a testimony to our ongoing efforts to increase opportunities for fair wages, integrated employment and careers, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.