ADA 35

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and in line with the national theme of Disability Justice, the library is highlighting the achievements of the ADA--celebrating its accomplishments and highlighting the work still left undone.

An important civil rights law, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public places and private places that are open to the general public. It became federal law July 26, 1990, and intends to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. 

Check out our upcoming and past events below, along with additional information and resources.

Upcoming Events


Low Vision Support Group

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1:30 pm

Learn about current research, assistive devices, and community resources for people who have been diagnosed with an eye condition or have a family member who has vision impairment.


Early Entry: An Accessibility Hour

Sunday, May 18, 2025, 11:00 am

Families and individuals who need a quiet, uncrowded environment are invited to use the library before we open.


Melody and Motion Sensory Storytime

Sunday, May 18, 2025, 12:15 pm

This sensory musical storytime is full of songs, movement, rhymes, and stories.


Movement and Mindfulness Storytime

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1:30 pm

Read books and participate in movement and breathing activities together. Drop-in event for children age 3-6 with an adult.

Learn More

For a quick overview of the ADA, watch this video. Visit ADA.gov for an introduction to the law itself. Find out about accessibility services at the library on our Accessibility page.

Read

Our expert staff have curated lists connected to disability justice:

Further reading:

Listen

Watch

  • President George H.W. Bush announces the signing of the ADA at the National Archives on July 26, 1990. 
  • PBS North Carolina presents: the Gang of 18 - ADA Movement details how 19 wheelchair users blocked city buses that were inaccessible and helped inspire the movement toward the ADA.
  • Crip Camp: Disability Revolution is an Oscar-nominated full-length documentary available on Netflix's official YouTube channel, featuring the stories of a group of teens from a summer camp in the 1970s who became activists in the disability rights movement.