City Council celebrates 30th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

The civil rights law that ensures all people with disabilities are entitled to the same rights, opportunities, and services as every other American.



According to a 2018 US Census Bureau conducted American Community Survey, 12.2% of Boston residents identify as persons with disabilities. This includes difficulties in self-care, hearing, vision, independent living, cognition, and walking.



The City of Boston’s Disabilities Commission has undertaken measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities have full and equal participation in all aspects of life. The annual Disabilities Commission report addresses ADA accessibility improvements in City Hall, in addition to language access and services for those that are hearing or visually impaired.



The Council and Mayor Walsh established the Language and Communications Access program in 2016 to ensure that all City departments have translation and interpretation services for non-English speaking residents and residents with disabilities to help combat discrimination of individuals with disability in communities of color.



During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution affirming its support for individuals with disabilities and raises awareness of the ADA by joining in and celebrating the 30th anniversary.



The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the ADA in order to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit adata.org.