Denver, CO – The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) recognizes the importance and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on today's 34th Anniversary. The ADA is the first comprehensive civil rights act for people with disabilities. This landmark legislation has been a catalyst for positive change in America's promise of equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for 56 million individuals with disabilities throughout our nation.
On July 26, 1990, then-President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and state and local government services. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all aspects of employment, in access to public programs and services such as transportation, and in access to public places like businesses, restaurants, stores, hotels, places of entertainment, and other service establishments. The ADA also requires buildings and public spaces to eliminate barriers to access, for people with disabilities. This legislation has helped people with disabilities participate in normal daily life activities. It also increased their opportunities to continue to contribute to, and thrive in our society.
Some notable events leading up to this historic legislation include the Denver 1978 RTD bus protests , in which the “Gang of 19” shut down the Colfax Bus Line for 24 hours to protest lack of wheelchair accessibility in public transit. Another notable event was the 1990 Washington DC “Capitol Crawl,” in which protesters crawled up the steps of the capitol building, physically demonstrating that accessibility legislation needs to be implemented, in order to remove barriers, and ensure equal access for all.
CCRD enforces the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which provides protection from discrimination, harassment or retaliation for persons with disabilities (physical and/or mental) in the areas of housing, employment, and places of public accommodation. . The Colorado Civil Rights Division, also provides outreach and education, as well as investigate and mediate claims of discrimination in employment, fair housing and in places of public accommodation based on disablity.