Early Bird

Americans With Disabilities Act hits milestone

The Access Center invites Roadrunners to explore the history of the ADA, including the critical role that Colorado played in the early years of the disability-rights movement.

By Melissa Cermak

July 27, 2020

“I now lift my pen to sign this Americans With Disabilities Act and say, let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down.”

With those words, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act into law July 26, 1990.

The ADA is important civil-rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of public life. Prior to the ADA, individuals with disabilities did not have the same rights, opportunities and access when it came to things such as education, housing, employment and transportation. Because of this, many individuals with disabilities could not go to the movies, eat in restaurants, shop in grocery stores or work because most public spaces were not accessible to them.

To commemorate and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ADA, the Access Center would like to encourage the Metropolitan State University of Denver community to explore the history of the ADA, including the critical role that Colorado played in the early years of the disability-rights movement.

Here are some documentaries and videos to help get you started:

• “Colorado Experience: The Gang of 19 – the ADA Movement.” This documentary chronicles the work of Atlantis and ADAPT in the disability-rights movement.
• “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.” The 2020 Netflix documentary traces the origins of the disability-rights movement to Camp Jened, a summer camp for teens with disabilities.
• “The Americans With Disabilities Act, Signing Ceremony,” a short YouTube video providing reflections on the signing of the ADA.

Remember that access is transformational for all students. The Access Center is open and providing support to students with disabilities through remote appointments. If a student discloses that they have a disability, make sure they connect with the Access Center by calling 303-615-0200, emailing accesscenter@msudenver.edu or visiting the Access Center website. The Access Center is also available to support faculty and staff if there are questions related to accessibility and accommodations.