Rolling Through History: Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA

alycia sitting in her wheelchair facing the capitol with her back to the camera

Reflections from our journey to Washington, D.C., honoring the past, embracing the present, and transforming the future of disability rights.

Today, July 26, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Two weeks ago, Marty and I traveled to Washington, D.C. so we could honor this milestone at its source. As we rolled along the National Mall, the monuments reminded us how courage turns ideals into policy.

Honoring the past. Building the future of access.

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial we paused beside the Stone of Hope and read, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” In that moment I felt the arc still bending, pulled forward by every advocate who refuses to let it snap back. Nearby, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words carved in granite offered a blueprint for true inclusion: “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Standing beneath Lincoln’s steady gaze and Jefferson’s bold ideals, we understood anew what it means to protect freedom for everyone.

marty and alycia sitting in front of the mlk statue memorial

marty and alycia sitting with the statue of fdr in his wheelchair

35 years of the ADA and counting.

No site carried greater emotional weight than the steps where the Capitol Crawl took place in March 1990. Disabled children and adults hoisted themselves up marble stairs to confront lawmakers with physical truth. Their bold action accelerated passage of the ADA. A short distance away, on the South Lawn of the White House, President George H. W. Bush signed the bill into law on July 26 1990, proving our nation is at its best when equality, freedom, and access lead the way.

Where the ADA began and our work continues.

Our visit included an extraordinary encounter with Tony Coelho, the former congressman who wrote the ADA. Inviting him to join an upcoming episode of Pushing Forward with Alycia—turned history into living conversation. I also carried the wisdom of the late Judy Heumann, who said, “Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to live our lives.” Her reminder keeps our focus on removing barriers, not on fixing bodies.

us capitol building behind red hibiscus flowers

image of capitol crawl inside the us capitol museum

Belief. Belonging. Becoming.

These reflections echo the heart of my recent WAWABILITY keynote, “Transforming Possibility: The Power of Belief, Belonging, and Becoming.” Belief tells each of us we are worthy. Belonging welcomes us into every room where decisions are made. Becoming urges us to show up fully and unapologetically. The ADA supplied foundational tools. Our community supplies the heart, momentum, and constant reinvention that keep those tools sharp.

Celebrating progress, pushing for more.

On this anniversary eve, Marty and I recommit ourselves—and our company—to carrying the torch lit by Judy, Ed Roberts, Tony, and countless unnamed advocates. We pledge to amplify disabled voices, design for universal access from day one, and keep expanding the circle of possibility so the next generation begins its journey on level ground.

Here is to thirty‑five years of law turned into lived reality. May the next thirty‑five see belief practiced, belonging realized, and becoming embraced in every sphere of American life. Lead on.