Building Accessible Communities: Understanding the ADA and What It Means Today

_{About the Author}

^{Carrie Carlson is the Director of Community Engagement for the Tennessee Disability Coalition, which includes serving as the staff liaison for the small grants program, leading the Coalition’s RevUP (Register, Educate, Vote. Use your Power!) Tennessee Coalition and other civic engagement initiatives. Carrie has worked for the Coalition for nine years.}

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of the most important civil rights  laws in our country’s history for people  with disabilities. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 - just 35 years ago!  The purpose of the ADA is simple but powerful: to make sure people with  disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA  stops discrimination and helps make things accessible.

At its heart, the ADA is about inclusion and making sure our communities are places where everyone can live, work, play, and belong.

What Does the ADA Do?

The ADA helps remove barriers that keep people with disabilities from fully participating in daily life. Here’s what it requires:

• Employers must provide reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities.
• Public spaces and transportation systems must be accessible and safe for all users.
• Businesses like restaurants and stores must make their goods and services available to everyone.
• Communication must be accessible, whether through captioning, interpreters, or accessible formats for print and digital materials.

The ADA reminds us that accessibility isn’t optional; it’s essential.

What Doesn’t the ADA Do?

The ADA is not enforcement, it’s a promise.

While the ADA is a strong law, it isn’t a magic fix for every barrier. It doesn’t automatically make all spaces accessible or provide the funding for changes. Business owners, agencies, and local communities are responsible for following the ADA’s rules.

The ADA doesn’t cover every space, either. Private clubs and religious organizations are generally exempt. And while the law helps prevent discrimination, it can’t change attitudes or create inclusion by itself. That requires education, community effort, and action from people like you.

More than 35 years later, we’ve seen real progress. Most sidewalks have curb cuts, some buses have lifts, restrooms have accessible stalls, schools have ramps, and technology is increasing access to all parts of life. These changes matter and improve the lives of people with disabilities every day.

Significant barriers remain. Many older buildings are difficult to navigate. Countless websites still don’t work well with screen readers and exclude people with low vision. Access to healthcare varies depending on where someone lives.

How Can You Help?

The ADA requires action and education, not just good intentions. For employers, this might mean offering flexible schedules, adaptive equipment, or quiet spaces to work. For people who are planning a community event, it means checking that venues are accessible for people with mobility disabilities, or checking to see if they include adult-size, height-adjustable change tables.

Sometimes accessibility is straightforward, like adding clear signage, turning on captions, or simply asking, “What do you need to participate?”  

How Can the ADA Can Strengthen Our Communities?

Following the ADA improves life for everyone. Accessible sidewalks help parents with strollers. Clear signage helps anyone trying to find their way. Captioned videos help people learning English and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Automatic doors help anyone carrying groceries or packages.

Local governments, schools, and businesses should review their spaces and services with the ADA as a guide. Better yet, involve people with disabilities in planning. Their input leads to better, more inclusive design.

What to Do If You See Inaccessibility in Your Community:

If you notice a place that isn’t accessible, here are a few things you can do:

• Talk to someone. Many business owners and leaders genuinely don’t know where to start with accessibility but do want to improve. A friendly conversation can go a long way.
• Share resources. Point them toward information about the ADA or local disability organizations.
• File a complaint if necessary. If barriers still remain after addressing them with the people responsible for changes, you can file complaints through the U.S. Department of Justice or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Most forms are available online.