This page contains information about the July 26th anniversary of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), and its profound effect on whole community, survivor-centric emergency management at FEMA.
22nd Anniversary
July 26, 2012 marked the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law protects the civil rights of more than 56 million Americans, or 20 percent of the U.S. population, who have physical, mobility, hearing, vision, speech, and cognitive, intellectual and mental health disabilities. Since the ADA was signed, many improvements have been made to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities; however, many still face obstacles that limit their health, safety and independence, especially in the midst of unexpected emergencies, or even worse, catastrophic events.
FEMA is working to ensure equal opportunity for children and adults with disabilities and others who also have access and functional needs. Our mission extends to the whole community as we support our citizens and first responders to improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
20th Anniversary
FEMA Administrator Fugate Addresses National Summit on Disability Policy, (July 27, 2010)
Administrator Fugate Statement on 20th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act, (July 26, 2010)
FEMA Administrator Fugate and National Council on Independent Living Sign Memorandum of Agreement, (July 19, 2010)
Videos
Marcie Roth on the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Administrator Craig Fugate on the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act