July 26, 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This sweeping civil rights legislation expanded on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by federally funded entities. The ADA goes further, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment (Title I), state and local government services (Title II), public accommodations (Title III) and telecommunications (Title IV). Its provisions cover more than 56 million Americans, or the approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population who have a disability.
FEMA is committed to helping people before, during and after disasters, ensuring that people with disabilities have access to, and can benefit from, our programs and services. Visit our Office of Disability Integration and Coordination page to learn more.