ADA at 35: Bipartisan Praise and Renewed Commitments in Texas

Texas is recognizing the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of civil rights legislation that has reshaped how people with disabilities live, work, and participate in American society. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and access to public and private spaces that are open to the general public.

To honor this milestone, Governor Greg Abbott issued a formal proclamation acknowledging the ADA’s transformative impact and encouraging Texans to recognize the anniversary with ceremonies and activities on July 26, 2025. As Governor Abbott noted in his proclamation, the ADA has enabled individuals with disabilities to rise above challenges and fully participate in the social and economic life of the state. “It is not our challenges that define us,” Abbott stated, “but rather how we rise above them.”

Governor Abbott, who has used a wheelchair since a tragic accident in 1984, has frequently spoken about the importance of independence, accessibility, and opportunity. His proclamation credits the ADA with advancing inclusion efforts across Texas, especially in areas like accessible transportation, inclusive education, and workplace protections. These gains, he noted, have contributed significantly to greater independence and a flourishing society.

The anniversary also serves as a moment for reflection. While the ADA has helped transform public life in many ways, Governor Abbott’s proclamation emphasized that full equity and inclusion remain ongoing goals. Millions of Texans live with disabilities, and while there have been advancements in infrastructure and policy, barriers persist in areas such as housing, digital access, healthcare, and long-term support services.

The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), which advises the Office of the Governor and promotes compliance with disability laws, is playing a lead role in the state’s commemoration of the ADA anniversary. The GCPD is coordinating events and educational outreach throughout the month of July to help raise awareness about the significance of the law and the work that remains. Through advocacy, policy recommendations, and community engagement, the GCPD supports initiatives that aim to make Texas a place where people of all abilities can thrive.

In addition to the work of the GCPD, Texans can access a wealth of resources through the Southwest ADA Center, which serves as a regional hub for training, technical assistance, and information related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. As one of ten regional centers funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the Southwest ADA Center provides support to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments across Texas and neighboring states. Their website, southwestada.org, offers materials designed to help ensure ADA compliance and foster inclusive environments.

Across Texas, public and private institutions are preparing to mark the occasion with events and initiatives that spotlight the progress made since 1990 and highlight ongoing advocacy efforts. From city halls and school districts to transportation authorities and nonprofit organizations, many are using this opportunity to recommit to a more accessible and inclusive future.

The ADA’s legacy in Texas is visible in numerous ways—from curb cuts and ramps to assistive technologies and workplace accommodations. But its true impact lies in the expanded rights and freedoms it has guaranteed to millions of people. By opening doors—literally and figuratively—the ADA has helped redefine what’s possible for those living with disabilities.

As Texas observes this significant anniversary, residents are encouraged to learn more about the ADA, explore the challenges that still exist, and celebrate the contributions of those who have worked to build a more inclusive state. Events, toolkits, and resources for honoring the ADA’s 35th anniversary are available at gov.texas.gov/disabilities.

With continued attention, advocacy, and collaboration, the next 35 years of disability rights in Texas can be marked by even greater access, equity, and opportunity for all.