Kansas City, Mo. — July 26, 2021 — Today our nation celebrates the 31st anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which provides protections against discrimination of people with disabilities in several areas including employment, education, health care, recreation, transportation and housing.
The ADA was enacted and signed into law to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and access to opportunities as people without disabilities. CDC recognizes the ADA as an opportunity for the inclusion of people with disabilities in federal efforts related to public health and health care.
Over the last 31 years, there have been real gains in access to public health programs, such as interventions and accessible formats that are tailored to meet the needs of people with different types of disabilities, as well as improvements in the built environment, such as accessible walkways, playgrounds, and parks. However, inequalities still exist. People with disabilities continue to face significant health disparities compared to people who do not have disabilities. Adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities.
“It’s amazing to me that ADA is turning 31 years old today,” said Jake Jacobs, eitas executive director.” We have accomplished so much since its inception, but we still have a long way to go to ensure true inclusion and acceptance of all people, regardless of their abilities. It is truly a never-ending task and responsibility of all of us.”
