Justin Dart: Father of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Justin Dart

Considering the contribution he made to the disability rights movement, it often surprises me how many people in the disabled community don’t know who Justin Dart was. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t until I was in my mid-30s and working at a disability advocacy organization that I came to learn about who Dart’s life and leadership. He is often referred to as the "father of the ADA" because he was an influential leader in the disability rights movement for nearly 40 years who worked to get the Americans with Disabilities Act passed into law.

Dart was a successful businessman turned activist when in 1948, he contracted Polio. He put his full attention to the disability rights movement. He held several influential federal positions related to disability, and in 1981 began working with disability rights activists to draft a national policy guaranteeing civil rights for people with disabilities.

Activists and supporters with the touring Justin Dart Puppet.

In 1998 he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Until his death in 2002, Dart was dedicated to his vision of a "revolution of empowerment." His unwavering dedication and leadership in the movement have inspired a generation of new, young leaders who will carry on his legacy to "LEAD ON!"

Disability Rights Law Takes Shape

In October 1982, Dart, then Vice-Chair of the National Council on the Handicapped, embarked on a nationwide tour to meet with disability rights activists to develop a national policy to end discrimination against people with disabilities. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was issued in January 1984 and outlined the provisions needed to ensure people with disabilities can participate equally and fully in all aspects of society.

Then, again in the late 1980s, Dart undertook a second tour called the "Road to Freedom" around the United States to continue a national dialogue about disability. With friends and disability advocates' support, the "Road To Freedom" visited all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia holding public forums that more than 30,000 people attended. This consistent advocacy and long-term conversation ultimately earned Dart the title of "Father of the ADA" as the information, network, and diligence became the foundation of the legislative action leading up to drafting of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"I call for solidarity among all who love justice, all who love life, to create a revolution that will empower every single human being
to govern his or her life, to govern the society and to be fully productive of life quality for self and for all.”

— Justin Dart