ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Monday presented a proclamation honoring the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act to Carol A. Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), and Kelby Brick, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH).

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. It ensures civil rights protection for individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.

“Our administration remains committed to ensuring that adults with disabilities can obtain meaningful work, and that our schools and public places are examples of inclusion in both attitude and action,” said Governor Hogan. “Together we are making incredible strides, but even as we celebrate this important milestone, there is still more work to be done as we create a more equitable future for all Marylanders.”

Led by Secretary Carol Beatty, MDOD is the only cabinet-level state agency in the nation focused on disability policy.

“While we are not able to celebrate this important anniversary the way we planned, our enthusiasm for this ground-breaking law and our continued work is not diminished,” said Secretary Beatty. “There is more work to be done to ensure the full participation of all Maryland citizens.”

FULL PROCLAMATION

30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
JULY 26, 2020

WHEREAS, On July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), This act was landmark legislation to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure the same basic freedoms-independence, equal access, freedom of choice, and inclusion-are guaranteed for those with disabilities as to every other citizens; and

WHEREAS, We believe in a Maryland which recognizes the unlimited potential for all our citizens, including those with disabilities, to live, work, and thrive in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is an opportunity to recognize the importance of ensuring inclusive environments with equal access to communications, education, employment, housing, transportation, and public accommodation; and

WHEREAS, We are changing Maryland for the better by promoting equality of opportunity, access, and choice for Marylanders with disabilities. We are committed to the promise of a Maryland in which all people with disabilities have the knowledge and influence to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2020 as a day of observance of the progress made in the 30 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and recognize our communities are stronger when everyone participates. We do commend this observance to all of our citizens and encourage them to participate and promote events throughout the year which celebrate the rights and abilities of those with disabilities.