Professor Rothstein reflects on ADA's impact 25 years after its introduction

This past Sunday, July 26, marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Brandeis School of Law Professor Laura Rothstein, a national expert on disability law, penned a commentary for The Courier-Journal that reflects on the law and its impact both locally and nationally.

Professor Rothstein shared the story of the late architect Michael Graves, who designed the Humana Building on Main Street. When Graves became disabled at age 69, he began incorporating accessible designs into his buildings.

She also provided an overview of the law's history, writing: "On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. On that occasion he commented that it was one of his administration’s proudest accomplishments. The ADA built on the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1975 special education law. These three laws together provide comprehensive protection from discrimination on the basis of disability."

The ADA was amended in 2008 to include conditions such as diabetes, cancer and HIV.

The law, Professor Rothstein writes, is intended to spread the costs and burdens of disability broadly to those in society who can reasonably absorb them.

"... Disability discrimination laws not only represent the 'right thing to do,' they are economically and socially beneficial to society. Individuals with disabilities add to and enrich the social fabric of society," she writes, adding, "Just as other civil rights laws affecting race, gender and other protected groups are not perfect or perfectly enforced, vigilance on disability discrimination law is required. But July 26 is a day to pause to celebrate progress and inclusion while continuing the work to ensure that the full intent of these laws is carried out."