The Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26th, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark civil rights legislation that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life, including: education, employment, transportation, communication, access to spaces, and more.

The passage of the ADA was the result of long and hard-fought advocacy by people with disabilities and their allies. One of the pivotal moments in this fight for equality was the “Capitol Crawl,” when a group of disabled activists abandoned their wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices and crawled up the 78 steps to the top of the Capitol to demand legislators finally pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.

One of the activists participating in the climb was Jennifer Keelan, at the time an 8 year old with Cerebral Palsy, who said she would crawl “all night if I have to.” Jennifer has just shared her experience in a new children’s book called “All The Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything.” Click here to learn more about her book, including where to purchase.

You can watch Jennifer tell some of her story in the video below.

Achieving civil rights for marginalized individuals has always been, and continues to be, a fight in our country. Little Lobbyists are proud to continue this important work to ensure our children, and all Americans with disabilities, have the civil rights they deserve – just like everyone else. You can join us by teaching your non-disabled and disabled kids about the ADA, the Capitol Crawl, and how kids like Jennifer and all our Little Lobbyists are able to make a real difference.

Get started now by filling out and sending this printable coloring sheet to your legislators to teach THEM about the ADA and why it matters. To find your legislators, click here.