Wednesday, July 26, 2006 marks the 16th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the most comprehensive law ever established to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. United Spinal Association, a national advocacy organization for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), had an active role in the passage of this landmark legislation and continues to reinforce the statute on behalf of its members and all Americans with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted on July 26, 1990, forbids discrimination of various sorts against persons with disabilities. It has helped to improve employment opportunities, government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications for those with disabilities.

United Spinal Association’s General Counsel James J. Weisman, a key negotiator in the drafting of the ADA, stated, “Sixteen years ago, our government acknowledged that affording people with disabilities the right to be reasonably accommodated as they traveled, worked, learned and socialized was sound public policy. While the ADA has spurred significant progress in making public buildings, housing, and transportation more accessible, there is still much work to be done. ADA compliance is the ongoing responsibility of all of us and United Spinal welcomes the opportunity to continue educating Americans about this vital legislation.”

However, transportation and accessibility are still issues. United Spinal’s Accessibility Services program is the premier consultation and training service experienced in making the built environment fully accessible to all citizens with disabilities. From national corporations to city governments and community centers, United Spinal provides workshops on issues pertaining to the ADA, disability etiquette and self-advocacy.

To learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act, download the free publication “Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act.”