RALEIGH, NC (July 26, 2019) – The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to honor the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 2019. The landmark legislation was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990 to promote inclusion and integration for people with disabilities.

North Carolina has a lot to celebrate on this anniversary of the ADA. This year, the state officially became an Employment First state, meaning that competitive integrated employment will be the first choice for people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD).

“There were a lot of people involved in making the ADA a reality for people with disabilities across the nation. From self-advocates to family members and of course, legislators, the passage of the ADA is a great reminder of how we all have to work together to achieve a common goal,” said Alex McArthur, chairperson of NCCDD. “Celebrating the ADA reminds us of how far we have come, but also how much work there is to be done to fulfill the ADA’s vision of inclusion and integration in all facets of life.”

Every year, disability advocates across North Carolina celebrate the ADA Anniversary to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with I/DD in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

For statewide ADA Anniversary events, click here.

About the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities: The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) works to assure that people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their  families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all areas of community life. Through its Five-Year Plan, the Council identifies and funds innovative projects and initiatives that promote the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) for all North Carolinians. www.nccdd.org