Celebrating the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities and has made our communities more accessible for everyone.
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The anniversary of the signing of this historic legislation is celebrated each year. Over time, the month of July became known as Disability Pride Month. It is a time to celebrate civil rights victories and the disability activists who fought and continue to fight to remove barriers to inclusion. It is also a time to celebrate people with disabilities: our lives, our experiences, our achievements.
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The ADA is just as important today as it was thirty-six years ago because it laid the foundation for today’s Disability Rights Movement. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination, but that doesn’t mean that discrimination no longer exists. We must continuously advocate for ourselves, which includes opposing policies that are harmful and supporting policies that make the world more accessible and inclusive for all.
MI-SILC is celebrating the anniversary of the ADA across Michigan. Visit a pop-up display at one of the following libraries:
Michigan Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based disability organizations that promote independence and self-determination for people with disabilities. The goal of a CIL is to assure that people with disabilities have the services and supports necessary to make informed choices, to have personal control over their own lives, and to participate to the fullest extent possible in the everyday activities of work, home, family, and community.
Your CIL exists to help people with disabilities and their families. For help transitioning to community based living, transportation resources, peer support, and so much more.