Americans with Disabilities Act
Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. This Act inspired other nations to pass their own civil rights laws for people with disabilities.
At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, President George Bush stated, "Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'Independence Day,' one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence and freedom."