35 Years of the ADA – A Milestone of Dignity, Inclusion, and Jewish Values
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that transformed American society for people with disabilities. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access to employment, public spaces, transportation, telecommunications, and government services. For millions of individuals who were once excluded from classrooms, workplaces, and community life, the ADA opened pathways to inclusion and independence.
At Libenu, the ADA is a foundation for Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. We believe that every person is created B’tzelem Elokim, in the image of Hashem, and inherently worthy of dignity and respect. For Libenu, that means creating inclusive homes, supportive respite programs, and life-changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It means advocating for a society where physical and attitudinal barriers are dismantled. While we celebrate how far we’ve come, we also recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. The promise of the ADA endures in every person who is empowered to thrive, every family that finds support, and every community that embraces the full spectrum of humanity.
