U.S. Law Unleashes the Abilities of the Disabled

Now in its 23rd year as law, the Americans with Disabilities Act helps ensure that all Americans have the basic opportunities to live a full life.

Why should intellect, spirit and ambition be tethered by a less-than-perfect body?

They shouldn’t! And the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes sure that they aren’t.

Now celebrating its 23rd year as law, the ADA is a comprehensive mandate to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. It has helped millions of people gain barrier-free access to schools, health care facilities and places of employment. In this age of the Internet, it has made business and government websites accessible to people with vision or hearing disabilities. It is a legal tool to protect civil rights and access to community living for everyone.

In speaking of the ADA, President Obama has said: “Equal access. Equal opportunity. The freedom to make our lives what we will. These aren’t principles that belong to any one group or any one political party. They are common principles. They are American principles. No matter who we are — young, old, rich, poor, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled or not — these are the principles we cherish as citizens of the United States of America.”

The “age-old American creed,” Obama said, is “Yes, we can.”

Learn more:

• Discover how the White House celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Read how the ADA has helped Hamza Jaka, who is disabled and works with the State Department’s Office of Global Youth Issues.

• Learn how the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division helps enforce the ADA and protects the rights of the disabled.