July marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that fundamentally reshaped our nation’s commitment to inclusion. As Wisconsin nonprofits dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, it’s our duty—and privilege—to honor this milestone by redoubling our efforts to eliminate barriers, expand opportunities, and foster true independence for all.
35 Years of Progress—and the Road Ahead
Since its enactment on July 26, 1990, the ADA has transformed public life in America: from curb cuts on city sidewalks and ramps at community centers, to accessible websites and closed captioning on broadcasts. Yet even today, too many Wisconsinites still face challenges accessing services, employment, transportation, and social activities. As advocates and service‐providers, we must treat ADA compliance not as a box to check, but as a springboard for innovation—continually raising the bar for meaningful inclusion.
Concrete Strategies to Enhance Independence
Beyond Physical Access
· Audit your programs for sensory, communication, and cognitive barriers. Is your signage clear? Do your materials use plain language? Are your virtual events fully captioned and screen‐reader compatible?
· Pilot “talking tours” or tactile exhibits to deepen engagement for people with visual impairments.
Inclusive Employment Pathways
· Partner with Vocational Rehabilitation services to co‐host job fairs that spotlight accessible workplaces.
· Provide internship or volunteer opportunities tailored to diverse abilities—and then share those best practices in peer networks.
Accessible Communication
· Ensure all digital outreach—newsletters, social media posts, registration forms—is accessible by design. Use high‐contrast color palettes, logical heading structures, and alt-text for every image.
· Train your team on “People First” language and disability etiquette: respectful speech fosters real dignity.
Community Engagement Initiatives
· Host an ADA Anniversary Open House: invite local businesses, municipal leaders, and residents to tour your facilities, experience assistive technologies, and hear firsthand stories from your clients.
· Launch a “Barrier Busters” challenge—crowdsource ideas for improving accessibility in public spaces, then work with local government to implement the top submissions.
Leveraging Wisconsin Resources
· Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) offers small grants for pilot projects that increase community inclusion.
· Disability Rights Wisconsin provides free technical assistance on legal compliance and advocacy training.
· ADA National Network – Midwest Regional Center delivers expert webinars, on-site consultations, and toolkits tailored to Wisconsin’s nonprofits.
Make it a goal this month to tap at least one of these resources: schedule a site assessment, apply for funding, or enroll your staff in a workshop. Every step you take not only strengthens your organization but uplifts the entire disability community.
Empowerment Through Collaboration
True independence isn’t achieved in isolation. Forge partnerships with other nonprofits, health systems, schools, and employers to create a seamless support network. Co-host trainings on topics like assistive technology or universal design, and share success metrics—so everyone benefits from proven models.
Your Challenge for July
1. Conduct an ADA “Spotlight Audit” of one core program or facility. Identify at least three quick‐win improvements you can implement this month.
2. Share Your Story. Invite one client or family member to co-author a blog post or social media testimonial about what accessibility means in their life.
3. Mobilize Your Board. Schedule an ADA briefing as part of your next board meeting—ensure leadership understands both legal obligations and the transformative power of inclusion.
By treating the ADA not as a static mandate, but as a living framework for empowerment, we ensure every Wisconsinite with a disability can live, work, and play with dignity and independence. Honor 35 years of progress by recommitting to access, celebrating every success, and pushing boldly toward a fully inclusive future.