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.
Have Questions?
Amy Holcomb, Learning Experiences Manager
Upcoming Events
Early Entry: An Accessibility Hour
Sunday, February 16, 2025, 11:00 am
Families and individuals with sensory sensitivities or disabilities are invited to explore the Kids Room and Teen Room before the library opens to the public.
Friend Squad
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6:00 pm
Meet new people in a supportive environment and watch your circle of friends grow.
Early Entry: An Accessibility Hour
Sunday, March 16, 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, March 16, 2025, 12:15 pm
This sensory musical storytime is full of songs, movement, rhymes, and stories.
Let's Get Together Book Club
Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:30 pm
Let’s Get Together Book Club is a community-based book club for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, no matter their reading ability.
Cabin Fever--Family Game Night: Online Event
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6:30 pm
It’s a Skokie family game night from the comfort of your own home! Join other families with kids age 5 and up for some fun group games.
Let's Get Together Book Club
Thursday, April 3, 2025, 6:30 pm
Let’s Get Together Book Club is a community-based book club for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, no matter their reading ability.
Neurodiverse Students and the Transition to College
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 5:00 pm
A panel of representatives from high schools, colleges, and community organizations, parents, and students shares experiences navigating the big changes associated with starting college.
Movie Night: A School in Cerro Hueso and Unspoken
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 6:30 pm
After watching the films together, share your questions and comments in a discussion with Chris and Sharon.
Book Discussion: I Will Die on This Hill
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 7:00 pm
The online interactions between two mothers of Autistic children--one Autistic, the other not--began with miscommunication, defensiveness, and hurt feelings. Yet they found a place of mutual respect.
Talking Books Discussion Group: No Time Like the Future
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:30 pm
Michael J. Fox's book shares personal stories and observations about illness, health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions of time affect how we approach mortality.
DIY Sensory Support Tools
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 5:30 pm
Create your own soothing support tools designed to reduce sensory overload.
All Brains Are Beautiful
Monday, April 28, 2025, 6:30 pm
Let's get curious about neurodiversity in kids and teens with Stephanie Boron, MS, CCC-SLP, assistant clinical professor at Northwestern University.
Past Events
Low Vision Support Group
Tuesday, February 11, 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.
Braille 101: Reading by Feel
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:00 pm
Braille is a system of raised dots used by people who are blind or have low vision to read with their fingers.
Braille 101: Reading by Feel
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 7:30 pm
Braille is a system of raised dots used by people who are blind or have low vision to read with their fingers.
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:
- Short fact sheet on the main aspects and sections of the ADA legislation from the ADA National network
- Article by Robert L. Burgdorf Jr., a disabled person and a key figure in the drafting and enactment of the ADA
- Profiles and personal stories of disabled people reflecting on the ADA’s impact
Listen
- ADA Live! is an ongoing podcast from the Southeast ADA Center in Lexington, KY. We recommend the episodes on making government programs and services accessible, and improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
- Civics 101 is a podcast about how the government works. This episode from 2018 features an author and disability studies specialist to discuss some of the aspects of the ADA and its implementation.
- NPR’s Throughline Podcast: A.D.A Now! from 2020 presents personal stories of the ‘hidden’ aspects of American history and how the ADA affected real people.
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.