Pasadena Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act

Pasadena city officials are commemorating the “landmark achievement” for equality and opportunity achieved three decades ago through the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990.

“Over the last 30 years, the ADA has expanded opportunities for millions of people with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life,” city officials said in a written statement.

“The City of Pasadena affirms its commitment to the principles of equality and inclusion for people with disabilities and recognizes the 30th anniversary as a cause for celebration and an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who fought for and supported the passage of the ADA,” according to the statement.

The Pasadena City Council issued a proclamation at its July 20 meeting recognizing the milestone.

“The ADA was a landmark achievement of the Disability Rights Movement,” Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission Chairman Martin Sweeney said. “It is a history both inspired by and rooted in the commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance of a generation of leaders, grassroots organizations and countless individuals who, together, framed access, inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities into law.” 

“We celebrate that history and those leaders and activists as we continue today to follow their vision and realize the promise of the ADA,” he said.

As part of the commemoration, members of the public were being encouraged to share the impact of the ADA on their lives on social media, using the hashtag #ThanksToTheADA.