ADA Awareness Day

On July 26 we celebrate the birthday of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides protection from employment discrimination and allows for better access to goods, services, and communications for people with disabilities. This Act is a tremendous way to generate awareness around the needs of people with different abilities and what needs to be done in order for them to be fully included in society. 

Known also as the National Disability Independence Day, this Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, signifying an Independence Day for millions of disabled Americans and becoming the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. 

In the 29 years since it was passed, this Act has changed the lives of millions of people. For example, prior to 1990 only 5% of public transport buses were accessible compared to today where up to 95% of them are accessible. 

Created to encourage and promote the rehabilitation, inclusion, and independence of disabled people, this law has provided access to both public spaces and the job market, protecting the disabled from discrimination and allowing them the same opportunities as able bodied people. 

As a way to celebrate this important date, a great deal of activities are hosted and programmed by the ADA National Network including Webinars, the #ThanksToTheADA challenge and more. 

At Van Products, we invite you to celebrate the importance of the ADA and how much has changed since it was signed, while also taking into account how much more still remains to be done to guarantee full independence and inclusion for people with disabilities in all areas of society.