NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY | July 26
NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY
National Disability Independence Day on July 26 commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990. The day not only celebrates the anniversary of the ADA but it also serves as a way to bring awareness and brake down barriers individuals with disabilities faced every day.
#DisabilityIndependenceDay
The ADA provides protection from employment discrimination as well as better access to goods, services, and communications for people with disabilities. Today's National Day marks a timeline of change that has developed overtime. In fact, each change improves mobility and safety for people with disabilities.
Beyond structural changes, the ADA Act has motivated designers to enhanced technology. Often, physical limitations restrict a person's ability to access legal or health information. New assistive technologies make it possible to obtain the necessary information. As accessibility improves, the world continues to change in other ways.
Many of today's brick and mortar businesses are ADA compliant. However, more and more businesses switch to online versions. Those websites need to meet the needs to be accessible, too. With each advancement in technology, designers need to incorporate multifunctional approaches to fit every ability. Celebrate the freedom the ADA inspires with forward-thinking design and technology.
OBSERVING NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY
If you are an employer or designer, consider how accessible your business is to people with disabilities. The ADA empowers people with disabilities to stand up for their rights, too. Give shout outs to accessible businesses and organizations.
Get inspired, too! Read the story of Ed Roberts, a pioneer and leader in disabilities rights.
On July 26th, unite with them and use #DisabilityIndependenceDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY HISTORY
National Disability Independence Day recognizes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990.
July 26th Celebrated History
1947
President Harry S. Truman creates the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, National Security Council and the Joint Chiefs of Staff when he signs the National Security Act of 1947.
1974
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the use of aspartame as an artificial sweetener. However, the approval is short-lived, as objections are raised. The administration will once more approve the sweetener in 1981.
1990
President George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.
2016
The Democratic party nominated Hillary Clinton for president. She is the first woman nominated for president on a major party ticket in the United States.
July 26th Celebrated Birthdays
Carl Jung - 1875
During his career, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst developed analytical psychology.
Aldous Huxley - 1894
The English writer is best known for his novel Brave New World.
Edwin Albert Link - 1904
In 1929, the aviation pioneer invented the first flight simulator.
Joseph F. Engelberger - 1926
Inventing the first industrial robot in the United States earned him the nickname, "Father of Robotics."
