This month marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, the landmark legislation significantly expanded opportunities and improved life circumstances for millions of disabled people in the United States.
Throughout July, disabled Americans and their allies will be celebrating the law’s anniversary and raising awareness about the obstacles that people with disabilities continue to face. Anniversary events will include festivals, educational programs, webinars, social media campaigns, wheelchair races, rallies, marches and assistive technology demonstrations. We’ve highlighted some of the most innovative events below.
1. On July 13, participate in New York City’s Disability Unite Festival 2025. This event is held in person at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell as well as virtually through the Disability Unite website. Featuring live and virtual performing arts presentations, panel discussions, interactive activity stations and more, it should be an event to remember. For more information, click here.
2. On July 22, attend Chicago’s ADA 35, a disability pride event featuring panel discussions, art activities and an awards luncheon. Click here for details.
3. On July 23 catch a screening of PBS documentary Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act, followed by a discussion with leaders from the disability movement. This event is sponsored by Disability:IN a nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion around the world. For more information, click here.
4. On July 23, check out Charleston, N.C.’s ADA celebration including free refreshments, vendors, keynote address by motivational speaker Alycia Anderson, and the chance to enjoy a huge inclusive playground. More information is available here.
5. On July 25, attend Mass Audubon’s free celebration of the ADA. This event, co-sponsored by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers and Cape Organization for Rights for the Disabled includes a variety of activities including adaptive sports demonstrations, resource stations and 30-minute guided walks of Long Pasture’s All Persons Trail introduced by Jerry Berrier of the Perkins School for the Blind. Click here for more information.
6. On July 25, the Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mayor’s Council on Disability presents an ADA celebration to include free food, vendors and networking opportunities. For more information, click here.
7. The City of San Francisco is hosting a variety of anniversary and disability pride events throughout the month of July. In particular, it is celebrating the opening of the first public disability cultural center in the country. On July 20, it will host a grand opening and housewarming party at the center with plant propagation, snack hack demos and pizza for all. For information about all the city’s ADA events, click here.
8. On July 25 in Pittsburgh, enjoy an afternoon of celebration including talks by disability advocates, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to engage with local disability organizations. Click here for more information.
To find ADA anniversary events in your area, visit adaanniversary.org.
Logo Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org) 1-800-949-4232
