35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

After many years of efforts by those with disabilities and disability advocates, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)* was signed on July 26, 1990, during President George H.W. Bush's administration. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas of life. Disability rights are civil rights that can range from voting to parking. See how the ADA is structured and how it protects the rights of people with disabilities.

Explore the ADA website to see additional guidance and answers to questions to understand rights and responsibilities under the ADA, and check out interviews and historical footage to see some of those key figures narrate the events and milestones that led to the ADA’s creation and passage.

Code of Federal Regulations

• Title I - Employment Current Regulations - 29 C.F.R. Part 1630 (Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act )
• Title II - Public Services - 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services)
  • Guidance to Revisions to ADA Title II Regulation on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities - 28 CFR Appendix D to Part 35
• Title III - Public Accommodations and Services Operated by Private Entities - 28 C.F.R. Part 36
(Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities)
• Title IV - Telecommunications - 49 C.F.R Part 27
(Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance)
• Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (ADA) - 49 C.F.R Part 37
• Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities: Passenger Vessels - 49 C.F.R Part 39
• Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design - 36 C.F.R Part 1190
(Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines - 36 C.F.R Part 1191
• Title V - Compliance with Disability Laws - 5 CFR § 339.103 (Miscellaneous Provisions)