Author: Linh Le
On July 26, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, this historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities.
At the DaSy Center, we are deeply committed to the principles of the ADA. As a national technical assistance center, we work with states to support IDEA early intervention and early childhood special education state programs. Our work is connected to the goals of the ADA, which strives to eliminate barriers and promote full inclusion in all aspects of society.
The Impact of ADA
The ADA has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans. For example, the act has:
- Increased accessibility: Public spaces, transportation, and services have become more accessible, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society.
- Enhanced employment opportunities: Employers are now required to provide reasonable accommodations, opening doors for people with disabilities in the workforce.
- Promoted equality: The ADA has helped to change societal attitudes and perceptions toward people with disabilities, promoting greater inclusion and equality.
DaSy Center’s Role in Supporting ADA Goals
DaSy works closely with states to support IDEA early intervention and early childhood special education state programs. Our vision is that states and entities use data to improve programs and ultimately equitable outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families. We build relationships and provide high-quality technical assistance (TA) to enhance the capacity of states to collect, report, analyze, and use data in early Intervention and early childhood special education for program improvement and federal reporting.
Final Thoughts
While the ADA has made significant impacts, the journey toward full inclusion and equality is ongoing. We must continue building new technologies and advancements that provide accessibility to all, address ongoing barriers, and foster a society that values and includes everyone.
On this anniversary, we honor the progress made and recognize the work still needed. DaSy remains committed to supporting these efforts by leveraging data to drive improvements and equitable outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.
DaSy Center Resources
- The DaSy Center Supports North Carolina’s Journey to Link IDEA Part C and Part B 619 Data
- Elevating Family Voices: How ECTA and DaSy Technical Assistance Supports State Innovations for Equitable Family Input
- Podcast: Using Data to Improve Early Childhood Equity
- Equity in Data: Where to Start!
Other Resources
About the Author
Linh Le is a Communications Specialist at SRI International. She currently supports communications for the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy), managing the center’s social media efforts and blog.
Published July 2024.