MDOD Logo with MD flag picture
MDOD Celebrates 30th ADA!                                                       June 26, 2020
MDOD Celebrates 30 Years!!
Red 30th in center with words _Americans with Disabilities Act Access-Inclusion-Opportunity_ in black around number.

What is the ADA?

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law.  This landmark legislation  is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life  This includes area like employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. 

President Bush signs law with four advocates watching him.

Why is it Important?

The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

30 Days Until the 30th Anniversary!    

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is counting down the next 30 days to the 30th Anniversary of the ADA signing!  Join our social media campaign as we highlight, educate and celebrate the best of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Follow our hashtag #30DaysADA to keep up with each day's posting.  

ADA 30th logo with red stars in circle_ under says _Celebrate the ADA July 26. 2020_
Logo courtesy of ADA National Network 
      
The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to support the mission of the ADA to "assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."  Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the network consists of 10 Regional ADA Centers located throughout the United States and an ADA Knowledge Translation Center (ADAKTC).  Maryland is supported by the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center.  They provide information, resources, training and guidance supporting individuals, businesses, governments and organizations.  

The ADA National Network is hosting the "#ThankstotheADA" Campaign.  
Share a moment in your life when you were thankful for the ADA.  On a social media platform of your choosing, use  #ThanksToTheADA to share what the ADA means to you.  You can share a photo, post or a video message.  Check out the #ThankstotheADA video on YouTube.  

ADA 30th Anniversary: #ThanksToTheADA

The transcript of the video can be accessed here. 

Stay Tuned for More Celebrations!

Get ready for more ways to honor the ADA.  MDOD will be celebrating all year long!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook (@MDDisabilities) and Twitter (@MDDisabilities).  Click here to join our newsletter mailing list!