Accessibility

Ramp It Up! How the ADA was Responsible for Granting Rights to Millions of Disabled Americans

Background

Accessibility

In the 1980s, people with disabilities encountered widespread barriers in daily life. Access to information, buildings, and essential services was often limited or completely unavailable. Both government institutions and private businesses frequently failed to provide adequate services or opportunities, leading to systemic exclusion. Many individuals were denied taxi rides, refused service in businesses, or subjected to unfair wages. Discrimination and inaccessibility were pervasive, making it clear that meaningful change was urgently needed.

“Dependency increases the costs of entitlements, lowers our gross national product, and reduces revenue to the Federal government. People with disabilities want to work... to be productive, self-supporting and tax paying participants in society.”

National Council on Disability. Toward Independence: An Assessment of Federal Laws and Programs Affecting Persons with Disabilities—With Legislative Recommendations. Washington, D.C.: National Council on Disability, February 1986. https://www.ncd.gov.

Disability rights activists protest on the streets with signs and a flag.

Disability Rights protesters holding an American flag and protesting with signs. Photograph. https://ability360.org.

Gallaudet University students protest with signs and banners for a deaf president.

Students from Gallaudet University protest for a deaf president at the US Capitol.​​​​​​​ Courtesy Gallaudet Archives, 1988. https://dolearchivecollections.ku.edu.