July 23rd marked the 35th anniversary of the ADA. It is a time for reflecting on the amazing accomplishments of the disability community and the stark threats to these recent gains. As Steven Schwartz, CPR Special Counsel noted in a PBS news story:
“The ADA itself is not in danger and is ‘part of the fabric of our communities’. But since President Donald Trump took office, there have been retreats in some aspects of the law, and a ‘sea change’ when it comes to enforcement.
It’s a little disappointing and bittersweet that for the 35th anniversary we’re in a place of resistance rather than celebration. But that’s where we are, and I think people are equally determined to resist as they would be to celebrate.”