This summer marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law – a milestone worth celebrating. But at Empowering Abilities, we know the ADA is more than a historic moment. It’s a living, breathing promise that continues to shape how we support people with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities every single day.
When the ADA passed in 1990, it sent a powerful message: people with disabilities deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It broke down barriers – physical, legal, and social – and opened doors to employment, education, transportation, and community life.
For us, the impact is personal. A few years ago, we supported a young man named Marcus who had always dreamed of working in a local grocery store. Before the ADA, that dream might have been dismissed.
But because of the protections and expectations the ADA put in place, Marcus had the right to pursue meaningful employment – and we had the responsibility to help make it happen. With the right supports, training, and a welcoming employer, Marcus not only got the job – he’s thriving in it. He’s part of a team, earning a paycheck, and building confidence every day. That’s the ADA in action.
Stories like Marcus’ are why the ADA matters. It’s helped shift the focus from simply providing care to truly empowering people to live the lives they choose. It’s pushed us to think bigger – about inclusion, independence, and what it really means to belong.
But let’s be honest – there’s still work to do. Barriers haven’t disappeared. Discrimination hasn’t vanished. And too often, people with intellectual disabilities are still left out of conversations that affect their lives. That’s why the ADA remains so important. It’s not just a law, it’s a tool, a shield, and a call to action.
At Empowering Abilities, we’re proud to carry that mission forward. We believe in a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. The ADA helps us get there – but it’s up to all of us to keep pushing for progress.
So, as we mark 35 years of the ADA, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come – and stay committed to the journey ahead.
(Jeff Ashcraft is the president and CEO of Empowering Abilities, based in Davenport. He can be reached at [email protected].)
