When President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 24 years ago, it helped modify the way Americans think about people living with disabilities. It also gave a voice to disabled Americans, whom had been overlooked in terms of accessibility for years. According to the US Census Bureau report “Americans with Disabilities: 2010” there are three defined categories of disability: communicative, mental, and physical. The ADA protects Americans with all disabilities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in five Americans has a disability. That number rises to 50% for people aged 65 and older. Here is a look at the U.S. Census Bureau numbers from 2010:
- 56.7 million: the number of people in the United States with a disability.
- 7.6 million: People 15 and older with a hearing impairment.
- 8.1 million: People 15 and older with a vision impairment.
- 30.6 million: People 15 and older with movement impairment.
- 3.6 million: People who use a wheelchair.
- 11.6 million: People who use walkers, crutches, or canes.
- 2.4 million: People 15 and older with a neurocognitive disorder.
- 12 million: People 15 and older who need the assistance of others for daily living.
Without the Americans with Disabilities Act, these large groups of Americans would not have equal rights in terms of access. At Access Advocates, we help give Americans with disabilities a voice.
If we can help you, please contact us today. Our mission is to help you improve accessibility in your community by providing you with resources, professional counsel, and a simple, step-by-step guide.