Today, the Biden-Harris Administration marks another year of progress and empowerment as we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark law has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities across the United States.
As we reflect on the achievements of the ADA, we also recognize the work still ahead. The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to advancing disability rights, ensuring accessibility, and fostering a society where every individual can reach their full potential.
Let’s continue to honor the spirit of the ADA by advocating for a world that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Protecting Civil Rights
Access to Government Services. The Administration is working to ensure full participation of people with disabilities in civic life. This spring DOJ issued a final rule under Title II of the ADA to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications by state and local governments. This rule is ensuring that people with disabilities can access critical local services, like transit information and voter registration.
In December, the Office of Management and Budget issued a government-wide policy to agencies to improve the federal government’s digital accessibility. This month, the General Services Administration issued a final rule to improve the accessibility of federal buildings.
Access to Health Care. This spring, HHS issued two final rules protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities in health care and human services programs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.
These rules ensure that all people have access to health care and human services that are safe, accessible, and free from discrimination for people with disabilities.
In particular, the Section 504 rule makes it clear that medical treatment decisions may not be based on biases or stereotypes or a belief that the life of a person with a disability has less value than the life of a person without a disability.
Dignity in Air Travel. In 2022, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights. Since then, DOT has delivered on these promises, including:
A final rule in August 2023 to increase the size and accessibility of lavatories on single-aisle aircraft, promoting freedom to travel for people with disabilities.
A proposed rule in February 2024 that would require airlines to provide prompt, safe, and dignified assistance to passengers with disabilities. The rule would protect travelers through new standards for airline response when wheelchairs are damaged and protect travelers and workers with new training standards for those who assist passengers with disabilities and handle wheelchairs.
Accessible Transit. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the All Stations Accessibility Program, which has funded accessibility improvements at 111 rail stations across 11 states and will award $1.75 billion through FY26.
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