The Americans with Disabilities Act at 25

VIENNA, VA - July 21, 2015 - July 26th marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark legislation which removed barriers and empowered people with disabilities in the workforce and in public. SourceAmerica, a national organization that creates job opportunities for people with disabilities, honors its legacy.

"Twenty-five years ago when the ADA was signed into law, the country embraced a new path to help ensure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, integration and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities," says Steve Soroka, CEO at SourceAmerica. "We must continue to work together as a society to ensure that the American Dream is open to everyone, including people with disabilities."

Despite big and small victories over the last quarter century since the ADA was enacted, there's still much work to be done. Employment remains a critical issue, as nearly 80 percent of people with disabilities do not have jobs. SourceAmerica serves as a critical link between employers and jobs for this highly capable workforce, as well as training and resources to help businesses succeed. SourceAmerica's network of more than 1,000 community-based organizations currently employs more than 115,000 people with disabilities. In addition, SourceAmerica offers a variety of programs that support its mission, such as Pathways to Careers, which helps employers understand the skills, interests, and capabilities of people with disabilities, so that these individuals are well matched with employers and benefit from improved job placement.

SourceAmerica is deeply committed to furthering its mission―and the spirit of the ADA―through the expansion of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. SourceAmerica encourages employers to put the ADA in action too. By putting ability first, all Americans, including people with disabilities, will have the opportunity to make an impact and add value to the workforce.