Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today hailed the twentieth anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Approximately one in six Americans – nearly 50 million people – lives with disabilities.

The ADA, signed into law in July of 1990 by President George H.W. Bush,gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.

The majority of people with disabilities have perceived significant improvements in public facility access, personal quality of life and public attitudes since the passing of the ADA. However, obtaining employment remains difficult for people with visible and severe disabilities and disparities still exist in access to health insurance, health care and financial assets for people with disabilities, as compared to people without disabilities.

“This remains one of the most important laws of the last 20 years, and millions of Americans are able to reflect on its significance every day,” Grijalva said. “Legislation that makes lives easier, reduces discrimination and helps people reach their full potential is legislation everyone in this country can be proud of, regardless of political affiliation.”