July 26, 2010 - Twenty years ago today, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law was a victory in the struggle towards equal treatment for everyone in America, offering protection against discrimination based on disability in employment, public facilities, and transportation and mandates the creation of accessible services and spaces. This landmark legislation continues to work to improve the lives of the more than 50 million people with disabilities in the U.S. and serves as a model for non-discrimination laws around the world. The National Coalition for LGBT Health commemorates the passage of the ADA and the positive effect it has had on the lives of people with disabilities in America, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and those living with HIV/AIDS. We hope that the future will bring more improvements to the ADA to further benefit people with disabilities, as well as the passage of other equal rights legislation.
For more on the intersection between LGBT equality and rights for people living with disabilities, or for further information about the ADA, check out these links:
An article on the intersection of LGBT and disability rights at change.org
ReachoutUSA - an organization dedicated to partnership and advocacy in LGBT and disability-rights communities
LGBT and Living with a Disability: Where to find Support
U.S. Department of Justice ADA home page