July 26, 2026, marks the ADA’s 36th anniversary!

For 36 years, the Americans with Disabilities Act has helped protect equal access, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. The disability rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s. Advocates like Ed Roberts and Judy Heumann challenged barriers and helped make independent living a national movement. The Rehabilitation Act became law in 1973. Section 504 prohibited disability discrimination in federally funded programs—but advocates still had to fight for its enforcement. On April 5, 1977, disability advocates took action. The historic 504 Sit-In in San Francisco lasted 26 days and showed what determined, united advocacy could accomplish. On April 28, 1977, the 504 regulations were finally signed. This hard-won victory strengthened civil rights protections for people with disabilities across the country. In the 1980s, advocates took the conversation nationwide. Justin Dart’s “Road to Freedom” tour gathered input from thousands of people with disabilities and helped shape the future ADA. The first version of the ADA was introduced in 1988. It was a major step toward creating broader civil rights protections for people with disabilities. On March 12, 1990, advocates made history. During the Capitol Crawl, people with disabilities climbed the Capitol steps to show the physical barriers they faced every day. On July 26, 1990, the ADA became law. The landmark legislation expanded protections in employment, public services, businesses, transportation, and communication. Thirty-six years later, the work continues. This ADA anniversary, let’s honor the advocates who came before us and keep building a future where everyone has equal access.