The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed in 1990, has made a profound impact in helping people with differences. In honor of the 34th anniversary of the ADA, let’s take a look at the great and hard-won work that led to its passing.
Section 504
In 1973, a federal law, Section 504, was passed. This law made any discrimination against individuals with disabilities illegal. The law, vetoed twice before, was the first step in creating the Americans with Disabilities Act. While Section 504 brought about great progress when it was passed by the Federal Government, the regulations needed to enforce public businesses and facilities to comply were not signed into law.
Section 504 read:
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 705 of this title, shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
504 Protest
While protecting people with disabilities was a start, it was problematic that the law was not set up to be easily enforceable. This created frustrations that led to the “504 Protest” in April 1977. Protestors, including many with disabilities, organized a month-long sit-in at multiple Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) buildings in major cities across the country, including Boston, Denver, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington D.C., and San Francisco.
The protesters in Washington D.C. occupied 50 UN Plaza, demanding to meet with President Carter. They also called for Secretary Joseph Califano Jr., of Health Education and Welfare, to be terminated. They demanded policies and regulations that would ensure that Section 504 would be enforced.
The protesters received support from sign language interpreters, health aids, and politicians, along with organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Farm Workers, the Black Panthers, and many others. The protests lasted as long as 28 days. Finally, on April 28, 1977, Secretary Joseph Califano signed the regulations that would make it possible to enforce Section 504.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1986, the National Council on the Handicapped issued a report, Toward Independence. The report was composed of recommendations for a civil rights law, proposed to be called The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1986. Over the course of several years, revisions were made. On July 26, 1990, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.
Since the ADA has been signed into law, new additions and regulations have been added. The new additions to the ADA cover topics such as employment, telecommunications, service animals, and transportation. As society advances and changes, the ADA evolves covering topics such as powered mobility devices and assisted devices. The ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities are treated fairly and justly. We support the continued growth and success of the ADA in supporting people with disabilities.
