Explore the past, present and future of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as seen from the perspectives of Iowans with disabilities. They describe how the ADA has helped improve their lives, but also discuss how they continue to face barriers to equality and how the ADA might be improved. The ADA was passed by Congress in 1990 as the nation’s first comprehensive civil rights law addressing the needs of people with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations and telecommunications.

Discover how the ADA has affected Laurie McBride’s personal and professional life as a deaf-blind
specialist with the Helen Keller National Center. Meet Kensie Channon who serves as a deaf rehabilitation counselor and is an active community advocate for youth and adults in Des Moines, Iowa. And, hear the story of Emmanuel Smith, a member of the first generation to grow up with the protections of the ADA. His work focuses on barriers to employment, discrimination in the workplace and advocating for effective employment services for people with disabilities.