Celebrating the ADA: Honoring its legacy through action
July 25, 2025
On July 26, we celebrate 35 years of progress under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since its passage in 1990, this landmark civil rights law has been pivotal in creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable nation. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life and ensures they have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. For the autism community, it’s laid the groundwork for progress and serves as a roadmap for the work that remains.
At Autism Speaks, we honor the ADA and its legacy by advancing policies that promote opportunity, access, and lifelong support for autistic people and their families. Just last week, that commitment was brought to life during our annual Advocacy Forum & Hill Day in Washington D.C.
Autistic individuals, caregivers, professionals, and community leaders alike traveled across the country to participate and engage their members of Congress. As a collective group, we urged lawmakers to support critical legislation that improves health outcomes, education, employment, and services and supports for the autism community. The stories shared by advocates were powerful and served as a reminder that continued action is needed to ensure the ADA’s promise is fully realized.
As we celebrate the ADA’s anniversary, we ask that you join us in honoring its legacy through action. Whether you take your advocacy to Capitol Hill or raise your voice online, your involvement matters in this movement. You can get involved by going to the Autism Speaks Action Center and participating in our campaign urging congress to support legislation improving access to healthcare, education, financial security, and community living for autistic people.
Ask Congress to build on the legacy of the ADA.
