The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting its ongoing impact on access and equality for people with disabilities. The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, was the first major civil rights legislation addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
According to CCRD, “The ADA is the first comprehensive civil rights act for people with disabilities. This landmark legislation has been a catalyst for positive change in America’s promise of equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for 56 million individuals with disabilities throughout our nation.”
The law prohibits discrimination in areas such as employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services. It also mandates that buildings and public spaces be accessible to people with disabilities. CCRD noted that “The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all aspects of employment, in access to public programs and services such as transportation, and in access to public places like businesses, restaurants, stores, hotels, places of entertainment, and other service establishments. The ADA also requires buildings and public spaces to eliminate barriers to access, for people with disabilities. This legislation has helped people with disabilities participate in normal daily life activities. It also increased their opportunities to continue to contribute to, and thrive in our society.”
Events leading up to the passage of the ADA included protests advocating for accessibility. Among these were the Denver 1978 RTD bus protests where activists known as the “Gang of 19” blocked a city bus line for 24 hours demanding wheelchair access on public transit. Another significant event was the “Capitol Crawl” protest in Washington D.C., during which demonstrators crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol building to highlight barriers faced by those without full accessibility.
CCRD enforces Colorado’s own anti-discrimination laws regarding disability protections. As stated by CCRD: “CCRD enforces the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which provides protection from discrimination, harassment or retaliation for persons with disabilities (physical and/or mental) in the areas of housing, employment, and places of public accommodation. The Colorado Civil Rights Division, also provides outreach and education, as well as investigate and mediate claims of discrimination in employment, fair housing and in places of public accommodation based on disability.”
