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Celebrating 25 Years of the ADA

On July 26, 1990 President H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), establishing a clear standard that people with disabilities should experience equal opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation in all aspects of their lives. This meant that individuals with a disability would now have access to schools, businesses, their workplace and even their neighborhoods. Last week, President Obama signed a proclamation in honor of the 25th anniversary of the ADA.

The core tenent of the ADA remains that everyone, regardless of any disability, enjoys equal opportunity in life. There are, of course, areas where further progress is needed, for example the bullying of students with disabilities, the denial of employment and issues with health insurance. Some individuals with disabilities were indeed at risk of exclusions from health insurance on the basis of medical history or pre-existing conditions or had to be concerned with caps on benefits.  The passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped with leveling the playing field on the availablity of quality health insurance.

While some disparities continue to exist, both the ACA and the ADA have worked together to reduce the barriers for people with disabilities. The Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights will be issuing a proposed rule providing further guidance on non-discrimination under the ADA.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871