Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30th Anniversary
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This landmark civil rights law has impacted the lives of millions of people with disabilities in the United States by improving access to employment, education, services and programs.
This week we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the most sweeping disability rights legislation in history. Since its passage on July 26, 1990, the ADA has increased access and opportunity for people with disabilities. Yet three decades later, we know that too many coworkers, students and neighbors continue to face barriers to inclusion – to fully participating in and contributing their talents to our workplaces and learning communities.
As we mark this milestone, William & Mary reaffirms our commitment to dismantle barriers, eliminate stigma, and accelerate access and equity. While we have made real strides in our workplaces, our campus and buildings and our technology, much work remains in pursuing universal access via universal design. Through this shared effort, we advance our value of belonging and lift up the inherent abilities found within all of us.
Katherine A. Rowe
July 27, 2020
Resources for Veterans with Disabilities
There are many resources available for Veterans with Disabilities, including family resources, information about employment and tips for supporting vetrans in the workplace.
Accessible Voting Information and Resources
The Virginia Department of Elections provides information about voter registration, accessible voting options, and accessible polling locations. The VDE also provides assistance with the voting process.
The ADA protects the rights of voters with disabilities under Title II. Voting rights are also protected under other Federal Laws.
Diversity & Inclusion Symposium
Let's continue the celebration of ADA 30! Please join us for the 5th Annual Diversity & Inclusion Friday, October 23 starting at 9:00 am. This year's virtual event is open to students, faculty, and staff. The theme is "What do you stand for?" We have 3 dynamic speakers who will center their remarks on Accessibility, Anti-Racism, and Advocacy. Each session will be followed with a breakout discussion focused on creating action plans to place these themes into practice. Learn more and register.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of people with all types of disabilities. Learn more from the Office of Disability Employment Policy which promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
Disability Etiquette
Learn more about disability etiquette from the Job Accommodation Network and from the ADA National Network
McSwain-Walker Lecture featuring Haben Girma
In Celebration of the ADA 30th Anniversary we were honored to join the Reves Center in presenting the 2020 McSwain-Walker Lecture on Sept 21 at 5pm. This year's talk, in cooperation with Law School Center for Comparative Legal Studies and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, featured Haben Girma, who spoke about How Disability Drives Innovation: An Intersectional and Global Perspective. The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
History of the ADA
View the timeline below to learn more about the history of the ADA.
Information & Resources
- View the ADA Anniversary Scrapbook complied by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. The Scrapbook features videos, stories and remembrances of the ADA.
- There are several virtual events across the Mid-Atlantic Area you can attend.
- Swem's Special Collections created this Blog in honor of the 30th Anniversary. Many thanks to Jacob Hopkins, Jennie Davy, Ute Schechter, Sara Belmont and Dr. Regina B'tzalya.
- The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center has several online publications including disability related resources, news and other items of interest.
- Learn more about ADA law through the ADA National Network
- Learn about ways to Celebrate #ADA30
- Did you know? The United States Census Bureau has released new data on individuals with disabilities.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental illness, although very common, is often misunderstood. These invisible disabilities include (list is not exhaustive) anxiety (anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, panic disorder), depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Learn more about mental illness in the workplace.
Emergency Preparation
There are many steps people with disabilities can take to prepare for emergencies, and one of the most important is creating an action plan. The following resources provide important information on emergency planning and response.
- Department of Homeland Security
- ADA National Network
- National Rehabilitation Information Center
- CDC Information on Coronavirus
William & Mary's Emergency Management Team, and Emergency Management Coordinator, [[katowner, Kenton Towner]] assist the university in emergency preparation and response. All members of the William & Mary Community are encouraged to download the RAVE Guardian app to stay safe both on and off campus.
30th Anniversary Committee
This group came together to provide information and resources for the W&M Community on the history and importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
[[cacostello, Carla Costello]], ADA/504 Coordinator, Deputy Compliance Officer
[[sggatl, Sharron Gatling]], Office of Human Resources
[[dmhowe, Debbie Howe]], Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer
[[acwhiston, Anna Whiston]], Coordinator of Student Accessibility Services
Chon Glover, Chief Diversity Officer, is assisting the committee as an advisor.
Have ideas for this website? Contact a committee member!
