Americans with Disabilities Act at Twenty Five

Rea Carey: ADA “Life changing” for millions 

Washington, DC, July 24, 2015—In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this weekend, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is issuing the following statement.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act has been life-changing for the more than 50 million people with disabilities in the United States. It has set the standard for a more accessible world, influencing the international Disabilities Treaty. And the ADA is also a fine example of bipartisanship when back in 1990 a Congress controlled by one party worked with a president from another to do something important to empower people. We also sometimes forget that accessibility improves the quality of everyone’s life. For example, accessible sidewalks — sidewalks with curb cuts — not only help wheelchair users but also people as diverse as parents with baby strollers and seniors with shopping carts. As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ADA, let’s work even harder to make our nation more barrier-free and accessible. It’s something everyone can feel proud of.”

The National LGBTQ Task Force will soon release a groundbreaking report on the intersection of LGBTQ, deaf and disability identities. This report includes information on critical issues including: pathologization and forced treatment; incarceration; mental health; poverty; unemployment and workplace harassment; health care access; and parental rights. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for actions that can be taken by government officials, service providers and individuals.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org