Marian Vessels, Director of DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, shares her feelings about the 20th anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act into law.

Vessels offers a very personal view on the importance of such a momentous event in a short video published in YouTube. The clip is from a 22 minute video, "Reflections of a Promise" which is available for loan from the Center. "The ADA had a dramatic impact on the rights of people with disabilities through its influence on the international community. It raised awareness and inspired the passage of similar legislation in countries around the world."

In an article the appeared in the latest issue of ADA in focus Newsletter, Vessels describes the atmosphere twenty years ago, what has happened since, and what might the future hold for the disability community at large. She asserts that "The passage of the ADA tells the story of how a dedicated group of individuals, with an important cause, worked relentlessly to keep the issues surrounding individuals with disabilities in front of the Administration, the courts, and the media."

Reflecting on the future Vessels adds "it is also important to reflect upon the work that still remains to be done. We need to continue to address those areas where we fall short in the equal treatment of all Americans. The ADA offers the hope of a future where the disability community will always have equal opportunities. Let’s unite in the cause of equality, independence and freedom. Let’s embrace the ADAAA as yet one more opportunity to continue the growth of civil rights for Americans with disabilities."

The DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, administered by TransCen, Inc., is one of ten regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers funded by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education. The Center provides information, training, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as on accessible education-based information technology. Specialists manage a toll-free hotline responding to specific questions on the ADA by private businesses, individuals, architects, schools and local or county governments who call for advice and information on what is required, who is covered, and how to work through disability-related issues in employment, architectural access, public services, and other areas. The Center can be reached by calling 1 800 949-4232 v/tty or www.adainfo.org.