The ADA's 36th Anniversary and Ohio's Commitment

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:

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 36^th anniversary of the ADA; and

WHEREAS, the ADA has been instrumental in protecting the rights of 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 45.8 million Americans have a disability, including more than 1.7 million Ohioans; and

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

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

WHEREAS, my administration established Accessible Ohio, the first statewide coordinated effort to expand accessibility and strengthen disability inclusion in businesses, communities, venues, and attractions across Ohio;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, Mike DeWine and Jim Tressel, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby recognize the 36^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on this 11^th of July 2026;

Mike DeWine Jim Tressel

Governor Lieutenant Governor