Thirty-three years ago today, President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The ADA was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. 

Here are some key aspects of the ADA:

• It is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It ensures equal opportunities, access, and reasonable accommodations for everyone.
• Protected Disabilities: The ADA protects individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. It covers a wide range of disabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments.
• Employment Rights: Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions. This includes modifications to the workplace, equipment, or schedules to enable equal participation.
• Public Accommodations: Businesses that are open to the public are required to provide accessible facilities and services. This includes accessible entrances, restrooms, parking, signage, and communication aids.
• Transportation: The ADA also covers public transportation services, mandating accessible buses, trains, and stations, also providing appropriate assistance if needed.
• Communication: The ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to communication aids and services. This includes sign language interpreters, captioning, and accessible electronic information.

Photo: “President George H. W. Bush Signs the Americans with Disabilities Act” made available by NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive