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Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Pride Month

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Please join the Office of Disability Services Coordination (ODSC) and the Office of Civil Rights in celebrating the 34th anniversary of the ADA and Disability Pride Month. July 26, 2024, marks the 34th anniversary of the ADA, being enacted in 1990. This landmark legislation has revolutionized the lives of millions of Americans by ensuring equal opportunities and prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Why Celebrate the ADA Anniversary?

It is a monumental achievement in civil rights, comparable to other major legislative acts that have transformed American society. ADA has opened doors to employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations for individuals with disabilities, improving their quality of life and empowering them to continue in our communities. By recognizing the importance of the ADA, we continue to promote equal opportunity and inclusion for all.

What is Accommodation?

Accommodation under the ADA means any change in the work environment or how things are usually done that enables someone with a disability to have equal employment opportunities. Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in their hiring or employment practices and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless the accommodation would cause significant difficulty or expense.

The HHS Human Resources (HR) Policy Manual and Guidance explain how HHS employees can request reasonable accommodations. The HHSC Civil Rights Office processes all reasonable accommodation requests and works with employees and their management to identify the accommodation most appropriate for both the employee and the agency.

Did you know? July is recognized as Disability Pride Month? This month is dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of individuals with disabilities. It’s a great time to highlight, promote, and celebrate inclusion for people of all abilities. To honor Disability Pride Month, here are some ways you can participate and show your support:

  • Attend virtual events or webinars focused on disability pride and awareness.
  • Share stories or experiences of individuals with disabilities on social media using the hashtag #DisabilityPrideMonth.
  • Educate yourself about disability rights and advocacy efforts through books, movies, or documentaries.
  • Use the attached background and logo to celebrate and promote the ADA

HHS ADA Compliance

Members of the public and HHS clients have an equal chance to receive services from and participate in HHS programs under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, unless doing so would cause a financial or administrative difficulty.

For questions about reasonable accommodation requests or to discuss your circumstances before requesting accommodation, email the HHSC Civil Rights Office or call the HHSC Civil Rights Office at 888-388-6332.

Learn More

We encourage you to spread awareness about the ADA and its profound impact. Understanding its significance helps us appreciate the strides we’ve made in creating a more inclusive society.

To learn more about the ADA, please visit the site here: ADA.