The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibited discrimination based on disability. That landmark legislation, passed 25 years ago this month, changed American society to be more accessible and inclusive. Here's a look at some of the law's biggest effects -- such as wheelchair accessibility on buses -- and what lies ahead for disability rights.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibited discrimination based on disability. That landmark legislation, passed 25 years ago this month, changed American society to be more accessible and inclusive. Here's a look at some of the law's biggest effects -- such as wheelchair accessibility on buses -- and what lies ahead for disability rights.
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Many of us take them for granted now. But one of the most visible changes mandated by the ADA was the addition of wheelchair-accessible ramps to buildings.
Many of us take them for granted now. But one of the most visible changes mandated by the ADA was the addition of wheelchair-accessible ramps to buildings.
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Curb cuts allow equal access to crosswalks, making city travel easier for people in wheelchairs.
Curb cuts allow equal access to crosswalks, making city travel easier for people in wheelchairs.
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Lowered drinking fountains and counters are another way the ADA ensures equal access to facilities in public places.
Lowered drinking fountains and counters are another way the ADA ensures equal access to facilities in public places.
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Mandatory elevators do more than provide access to multiple floors. They allow all people the opportunity to work in any building.
Mandatory elevators do more than provide access to multiple floors. They allow all people the opportunity to work in any building.
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President George W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008. The law built on the ADA by broadening the definition of "disability" to include those with cancer, diabetes and epilepsy. His father, President George H.W. Bush, far left, signed the ADA in 1990.
President George W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008. The law built on the ADA by broadening the definition of "disability" to include those with cancer, diabetes and epilepsy. His father, President George H.W. Bush, far left, signed the ADA in 1990.
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The growth of e-commerce has pushed many jobs into the Internet, but some people with disabilities can't use computers. One new frontier for disability-rights groups is technology that would allow everyone to use them and be active members of the digital world.
The growth of e-commerce has pushed many jobs into the Internet, but some people with disabilities can't use computers. One new frontier for disability-rights groups is technology that would allow everyone to use them and be active members of the digital world.
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Despite the success of the ADA, many people with disabilities still have difficulty getting jobs. The employment rate for people with disabilities in 2012 was 33.5%: about half what it was for non-disabled workers.
Despite the success of the ADA, many people with disabilities still have difficulty getting jobs. The employment rate for people with disabilities in 2012 was 33.5%: about half what it was for non-disabled workers.
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