Today marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This landmark legislation protects 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 here: https://adata.org/learn-about-ada

Please read the ADA Proclamation put out by Ohio Governor.

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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 35* 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 35* Anniversary of
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
on this 11″ of July 2025;
Mile
Mike DeWine
Governor