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On July 26, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will celebrate its 30^th anniversary. Signed into law in 1990 by President George H. W. Bush, the ADA affords civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities by promoting access to employment, schools, transportation, and public spaces. (Read the National Archives Transcript of Statement By the President, July 26, 1990.)

The ADA has a special meaning for members of the occupational therapy community because it promotes equal access to engaging in everyday activities by prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities, and creating avenues of service for the profession in areas such as work accommodations and environmental accessibility.

Read more about one the history of the ADA and one AOTA staff member's personal "ADA Heroes" in this news article.

In honor of this 30^th anniversary, the ADA National Network is asking the public to share how the ADA has impacted their life, the life of a loved one, or what it means to them. What does the ADA mean to you or the clients you serve? Share your story on social media by using #ThanksToTheADA or #ADA30 and be sure to tag @AOTAInc on Twitter and @aotainc on Instagram, or comment on our Facebook page, or here on CommunOT to mark this anniversary. We will share as many comments as possible in a future issue of OT Practice magazine.