November 10, 2020 | By: Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center
Let’s take time to think about the many ways the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) changed the lives of people with disabilities. (It’s changed them for the better, even though we still have a long way to go to reach equal standing.)
Advocates began the work for equality long before the ADA was even drafted. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gave children with disabilities the right to be educated in the public schools. It passed in 1975.
Leaders—including Justin Dart, Ed Roberts, Marca Bristo, and Judy Heumann—fought for access that had long been denied to people in the disability community. Their goals were to end discrimination and gain their rightful places as valued members of their communities.
The ADA rests on four main pillars, all based on access. People with disabilities have the right to:
Let’s honor the policy that forever changed so many lives. Let’s continue to support these pillars and advocate for more change. There is more important work yet to be done.
This page provides information on the legal rights of people with disabilities.