Celebrating Progress: The 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Key Moments from 2022
This year the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) marks its 32nd year—a testament to the enduring fight for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA was a groundbreaking piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate discrimination against disabled people, ensuring equal opportunity in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. In thinking about how I want to acknowledge another ADA birthday, let’s take a look at some of the progress that has been made this year.
One of the most significant areas of progress this year was in digital accessibility. With the world increasingly moving online, ensuring digital platforms are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, has never been more critical. In 2022, we have seen a surge in initiatives aimed at enhancing web accessibility, from improvements in website design that accommodate screen readers for the visually impaired to more widespread use of captioning in videos for the deaf and hard of hearing. These advancements are not just about compliance with the ADA but about fostering an inclusive digital world where everyone can participate equally.
Employment continues to be a critical area for disability rights, and 2022 brought some positive changes. Companies across various industries have begun to recognize the value of diversity, including disability diversity, in creating a more dynamic and innovative workforce. There has been a notable increase in employer-led initiatives aimed at recruiting, hiring, and retaining individuals with disabilities. This shift towards more inclusive employment practices is a hopeful sign of the changing perceptions of disability in the workplace. Disbility:IN gave both T-Mobile and Bristol Myers Squibb, among other companies, were recipients of their 2022 Inclusion Awards.
“We applaud these changemakers who are driving extraordinary outcomes for people with disabilities around the world. Whether it’s innovating new products, creating exemplary programming and practices, or demonstrating corporate leadership, I’m honored to recognize the brands and individuals that bring their passion and dedication every day to the table to transform business and shape a society that includes everybody,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.
On the legislative front, this year disability rights advocates celebrated the passage of new legislation aimed at enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. One such example is the expansion of the ABLE Act, which allows individuals with disabilities more flexibility in managing their finances without risking their eligibility for public assistance. These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for policies that support the independence and well-being of people with disabilities.
With the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the increasing prevalence of Long COVID diagnoses, the conversations around disability, chronic illness and the impact on mental health gained significant traction this year. Advocacy for better access to mental health care, alongside reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, was a key focus for many disability rights organizations and activists.
While I celebrate the disability achievements of 2022, I also acknowledge that many challenges remain. Accessibility, inclusion, and equality for disabled people are ongoing pursuits that require continuous effort, advocacy, and commitment from all sectors of society. The 32nd anniversary of the ADA serves as a reminder of how far we have come and how much work still lies ahead. As the disability community continues to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, we will carry forward the spirit of the ADA, inspired by its principles of inclusion, accessibility, and equality for all.