DALLAS, July 27, 2020 — This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the greatest legislative achievements for people with disabilities in our nation’s history. By prohibiting discrimination in employment, public services and accommodations, services operated by private entities and telecommunications, the ADA has removed countless barriers for people with disabilities and made our country more accessible.
With stroke being a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in our country and cardiovascular disease also remaining a prominent contributor to disability, the American Heart Association and its American Stroke Association division continue to prioritize disability rights in all our work.
Although the ADA marked great progress, we still have much work to do. We continue working to ensure health care is accessible and affordable to everyone in America, and barriers to care for people with disabilities are removed. We are also advocating for transportation funding and policies at all levels of government that make our cities, streets and parks more accessible. In addition, the Association has supported legislation and regulation to provide people with disabilities who want to return to and participate in work the accommodations they need to make it feasible.
As we celebrate the enormous progress for disability rights that the ADA has made possible, we look ahead to what must be done to create a truly inclusive society.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Suniti Sarah Bal – 202-785-7929; suniti.bal@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org