Tennessee ADA Network

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the first comprehensive civil rights act for people with disabilities signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Based upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this federal law protects the rights of people with disabilities.

The ADA is about equal access to care and services and freedom from discrimination in employment, state and local government, public accommodations (e.g., restaurants, stores, hotels, and places of entertainment), and transportation. It helps to “level the playing ground” so everyone can have access.

The ADA has empowered people with disabilities by banning discrimination because of their disability and by making it possible for them to live independently, control their own lives, have the freedom to choose how to live and participate in their communities. When the environment, programs and services are accessible, it helps everyone. Curb cuts in sidewalks are the most concrete (pun intended) example of a feature designed to be accessible for wheelchair users that makes life easier for everyone.

Because of the ADA, people with disabilities can:

• Park in an accessible parking space that has an access aisle
• Independently enter and leave government buildings, voting locations, restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses
• Request a reasonable accommodation in their workplace
• Have assistance with phone calls through a relay service
• Have an interpreter if needed for effective communication

Although there have been significant changes since the ADA was passed in 1990, people with disabilities continue to encounter barriers that affect their ability to live, work, and recreate freely in their communities. The ADA is a living document, and policies, practices and procedures continue to develop. Ongoing vigilance and advocacy continue to ensure that these hard-fought-for rights continue to be implemented well.

The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.

Visit the ADA National Network to learn more about the history of the ADA.

Access the following resources to learn more about disability history:

• National Museum of American History
• History of Disabilities Webinar Series – Hosted by the Southeast ADA Center and The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University.
• Story in the Public Square, public affairs television series – On May 12, BBI Chairman Peter Blanck was featured on “Story in the Public Square,” public affairs television series, PBS podcast and SiriusXM Satellite radio. While the Americans with Disabilities Act has improved the lives of many since it became law nearly three decades ago, Peter Blanck tells us the history and the ongoing challenges for those with disabilities can be stark.