Celebrating 34 Years of the ADA: From the Capitol Crawl to Today’s Triumphs and Challenges

On March 12, 1990, dozens of disability rights activists made history by crawling up the 83 stone steps of the U.S. Capitol. Known as the Capitol Crawl, this bold protest highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive civil rights legislation for people with disabilities. Their actions were pivotal in the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.

The ADA was a landmark achievement, ensuring equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. This victory was a direct result of relentless advocacy, with the Capitol Crawl symbolising the determination and resilience of the disability rights movement.

Since its enactment 34 years ago, the ADA has transformed American society. Public buildings, transport systems, and workplaces have become more accessible. The law has also fostered a cultural shift, raising awareness about the rights and capabilities of people with disabilities. Employment rates for individuals with disabilities have improved, and their representation in various professional fields has increased.

In the UK, similar strides have been made. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 was a significant step towards ending discrimination against people with disabilities, particularly in employment. The Equality Act of 2010 built on this foundation, consolidating and strengthening anti-discrimination laws. Employers are now required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed.

Government initiatives such as the Access to Work scheme and the Disability Confident scheme further support people with disabilities in the workforce. These programmes provide practical and financial assistance, helping individuals start or stay in work, and encourage employers to be more inclusive. Whether that encouragement is followed up is a matter that needs to be considered.

The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has also opened new opportunities. People with disabilities can now work from environments best suited to their needs, thanks to technological advancements and more flexible working arrangements.

Despite these positive changes, challenges remain. Many barriers, both physical and attitudinal, still exist. Enforcement of accessibility laws can be inconsistent, and discrimination persists. Employment rates for people with disabilities still lag behind those of their non-disabled peers. According to data from 2023, only 53.5% of people with disabilities are employed in the UK, compared to 81.6% of non-disabled people (Source: Office for National Statistics ). In the US, the employment rate for people with disabilities is 19.3%, compared to 66.3% for those without disabilities (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 ). Additionally, those who do secure employment often face a significant pay gap. On average, people with disabilities earn 12% less per hour than their non-disabled colleagues in the UK, and in the US, the median earnings for workers with disabilities are approximately two-thirds of those without disabilities (Source: Office for National Statistics , U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ).

Looking forward, the recently elected Labour government in the UK has pledged to introduce additional regulations around reporting the disability pay gap. This move aims to increase transparency and accountability, ensuring that the pay disparity between disabled and non-disabled employees is addressed more effectively.

As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the ADA, we are reminded of the ongoing efforts needed to achieve equality and true accessibility. The Capitol Crawl exemplifies the power of collective action and the importance of continued advocacy.

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