A Self-Advocate’s Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. The disability community fought hard to get the ADA passed into law, and we continue to fight hard to protect it. This year, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ADA becoming the law of the land. As part of our #ADA30 celebrations, we’re pleased to announce our new plain-language resource, “A Self-Advocate’s Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act.” 

This toolkit will explain:

  • What is the ADA?
  • Why was the ADA made? 
  • Why is the ADA important? 
  • What are my rights from the ADA?
  • Why are those rights important?
  • How can I make sure I get my ADA rights?
  • When does the ADA not work? 
  • What is the ADA Amendments Act?
  • Why is the ADA Amendments Act important?
  • What is Olmstead
  • Why is Olmstead important?
  • What are people doing to try and make the ADA worse? 
  • How can I help protect the ADA?

The ADA toolkit is available in two versions:

  • Our Easy Read Edition. The Easy Read version is split into seven parts. Each part has its own Words to Know section, and there is also a separate Words to Know part with all of the terms from every section. The Easy Read version uses pictures along with larger text, and has more white space.
  • A Plain Language Version for either those with vision-related disabilities or those who would prefer a version without accompanying graphics.
Easy Read Edition

The Easy Read Edition is split into parts. Each part has its own Words to Know section, and there is also a separate Words to Know part with all of the terms from every section. Click on the title of any of the parts below to download it:

You can also download the entire Easy Read Edition of the toolkit by clicking here.

This toolkit made possible by the generous support of The Ford Foundation.

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