HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ADA!

Happy birthday to the “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA)!
 
We’re proud to tell you that the national UCP organization (United Cerebral Palsy) played a big role in getting the ADA passed.
 
Here, in their words, is what they did:

1. Coalition Building: UCP worked closely with other disability rights organizations to build a strong coalition that could effectively lobby for the ADA. This collaboration helped to unify the message and strengthen the push for legislative action.
2. Testimonies and Lobbying: Representatives from UCP provided testimonies before Congress, sharing stories and data to illustrate the discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Their lobbying efforts were crucial in gaining support from lawmakers.
3. Public Campaigns: UCP engaged in public campaigns to mobilize grassroots support for the ADA. They educated the public and policymakers about the importance of the legislation and how it would improve the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities.
4. Drafting and Policy Input: UCP, along with other disability advocacy groups, contributed to the drafting of the ADA. They provided valuable input on the language and provisions of the bill to ensure it would be effective in addressing the issues faced by people with disabilities.

 
And it worked! The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on July 26, 1990.
 
It has been described as “the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities.” It prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
 
Today, UCP Oregon celebrates the ADA and the progress our nation has made towards a more inclusive society. But there is still work to be done. Join us in our fight to ensure full equality and accessibility for everyone!