On July 26, 2025, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) marked its 35th anniversary, and advocates gathered in Boston to celebrate this landmark legislation.
Among those participating was Zary Amirhosseini, who moved to the U.S. from Iran as a child.
Amirhosseini, now the manager of Massachusetts General Hospital’s disability program, reflected on her upbringing and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in other countries.
“A lot of people with disabilities travel to this country because of the rights, the accommodations, the resources that are available, the healthcare system that is available,” she noted during the event.
The celebration began with the raising of an “ADA 35” flag at Boston City Hall, followed by a march and rally at The Embrace statue on Boston Common.
More than 1,000 individuals joined the march, showcasing both pride in the progress made and concerns about changes to policies affecting disabilities.
Dianna Hu, chairwoman of the Boston Center for Independent Living, emphasized the urgency of the moment.
She stated, “Cuts to Medicaid could mean cuts to the Personal Care Attendant Program. We deserve the right to live in our communities. When our dignity is on the line, we cannot be silent. We will not be silent, we will march on.”
Concerns were echoed by other attendees, who voiced apprehensions regarding threats to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, educational resources for students with disabilities, cuts to medical research funding, and the status of immigrants working in caregiving positions.
Before the march, Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh led a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, referring to them as part of the disability community.
She pointed out, “We know that 35 years after the ADA, we still have a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to housing and the institutionalization of people with disabilities.”
The rally also recognized the many advocates who paved the way for the rights of those with disabilities.
Among them was Lynn Miczek, who attended the rally to honor her late husband, Jim, who became paralyzed in 1967.
Miczek promised to continue fighting for disability rights after his passing.
Reflecting on the progress made since the ADA was enacted, she said, “There were no curb cuts, there were no automatic doors. So a lot has happened, but I feel there’s still a lot more we need to do to make sure that people are able to live independently.”
The ADA was established to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities across various sectors, securing accommodations such as curb cuts, ramps, sign language interpreters, and assistive technology.
Steven Schwartz, an attorney at the Center for Public Representation, remarked on the recent expansion of disability rights.
He highlighted legal victories like the 2024 settlement of the Marsters case, which assists individuals in avoiding institutionalization in nursing facilities.
Additionally, he spoke of innovations in adaptive technology that have diversified internet accessibility for people with disabilities.
“The ADA, really, at least up to six months ago, was flourishing, expanding, and making an exponentially greater difference, both to people with disabilities and to people without disabilities,” Schwartz explained.
While the ADA itself remains intact, Schwartz noted that there has been a decline in some enforcement aspects since President Donald Trump took office.
He observed that DEI programs faced elimination, along with layoffs of personnel within the civil rights division of the Department of Justice.
“It’s a little disappointing and bittersweet that for the 35th anniversary we’re in a place of resistance rather than celebration,” Schwartz said.
He emphasized that, despite the challenges, advocates seemed equally determined to resist adverse changes as they were to celebrate the ADA’s achievements.
The history of disability advocacy is deeply rooted in acts of courage and resilience.
In March 1990, when the ADA was stalled in Congress, a significant protest unfolded at the Capitol.
About 40 activists relinquished their mobility devices to climb the Capitol’s stairs, highlighting the inaccessibility of physical spaces.
Linda Belil, a resident of Holden, recounted that moment, stating, “We wanted to dramatize the inaccessibility of the built world.”
Brian Shea, then 32 and living with cerebral palsy, described the protest as pivotal.
Remembering the climb, he said, “I would say to people, ‘Congratulations, you did this, you did this. We did this. This is ours.’”
As advocates come together to reflect on years of progress and the ongoing battles ahead, the ADA remains a critical pillar for civil rights in America.
As they marked this significant anniversary, the rally served as both a celebration of past victories and a clarion call to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
image source from：wgbh
