The ADA Act: A Historical Look at Its Passage and Impact

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a pivotal piece of legislation enacted in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. To truly understand its significance, it's important to delve into the historical context and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities prior to its passing.

Historical Context

For many years, people with disabilities were often subjected to extensive discrimination, both intentional and unintentional. Many barriers prevented them from accessing education, employment, and even basic needs such as housing. This discrimination was pervasive, and many buildings and programs were not designed with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. This reality was so prevalent that it was common for people with physical disabilities to live with limited opportunities and access to resources.

The ADA Act

Recognizing the need for change, a group of activists and lawmakers fought to establish the Americans with Disabilities Act. One key movement that paved the way for the ADA was the Crip Camp, a documentary that details the experiences of campers and staff at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. This documentary showcases how the campers became leaders in advocating for disability rights.

Enactment and Implementation

The passage of the ADA was the result of a long and complex process involving many stakeholders. The initial “Strawman” requirements for what became the ADA were created with input from numerous individuals. Among those who contributed were language experts like Dave Fisher and software engineers like Bill Wulf, who were key figures in shaping the language and requirements of the ADA.

Unique Challenges

The Department of Defense (DoD) had a critical role in the development of the ADA. There was a specific requirement that the ADA had to run efficiently on every existing DoD computing system. This was understood to be a critical need due to Moore's Law, which exacerbated the technological changes that required systems to adapt over time. Ada, as the resulting language, was designed to meet these stringent requirements.

The development of the ADA also had significant implications for language design and software engineering. The process showcased how whole-systems real computer science could be applied to solve complex problems. Moreover, the 1995 revision of the ADA incorporated many of the original design discussions, demonstrating the foresight of the initial group of contributors.

Although the ADA Act is a significant piece of legislation, its origins and development are a testament to the resilience and determination of activists and lawmakers. The act demonstrated that with careful planning, collaboration, and foresight, it is possible to create a more equitable and inclusive society. The ADA Act has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and continues to be a benchmark for civil rights legislation.