OOD - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

07/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 16:06

35 Years of the ADA

This July 26 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil-rights law signed on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush.

The ADA continues to empower millions by protecting people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces open to the general public.

The ADA was enacted to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Learn more about the ADA and its continued impact.

Proclamation

In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel have officially proclaimed the state's commitment to upholding the principles of the ADA, reinforcing its importance in fostering equality and accessibility. They make the following proclamation "In the Name and by the Authority of The State of Ohio":

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, to ensure the civil rights and equal opportunity for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, this year marks the 35th anniversary of the ADA; and

WHEREAS, the ADA has been instrumental in protecting people with disabilities in many areas of everyday life; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike DeWine had the honor of voting for this critical legislation; and

WHEREAS, about 42 million Americans have a disability, including more than 1.6 million Ohioans; and

WHEREAS, the FY 24-25 state operating budget signed by Governor Mike DeWine and supported by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities included language to encourage more community engagement by increasing funding for universal changing tables in public places, reserving a seat on county board of developmental disabilities for people who receive services, and launching Accessible Ohio which creates the first-ever coordinated effort in Ohio to support cities, counties, state agencies, attractions, and venues to be accessible and inclusive.

WHEREAS, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by changing perceptions and increasing full participation in community life; and

WHEREAS, one of Mike DeWine's first acts as Governor was to sign an executive order establishing Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ohio has invested the most funds in the nation for universal changing tables in public places, reserves a seat on county boards of developmental disabilities for people who receive services, and launched Accessible Ohio which creates the first-ever coordinated effort in Ohio to support cities, counties, state agencies, attractions, and venues to be accessible and inclusive; and

NOW, THEREFORE, we, Mike DeWine and Jim Tressel, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby recognize the 35th Anniversary of

Americans with Disabilities Act

on this 11th of July 2025;

Mike DeWine Jim Tressel

Governor Lieutenant Governor

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