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Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A collage of six historic black-and-white photos from the U.S. disability rights movement, taken by photographer Tom Olin. Images show activists holding signs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Disabled and Proud,” people using wheelchairs crawling up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl, and a signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act with President George H.W. Bush. The photos are arranged in a slightly tilted, overlapping row.

Photos courtesy of Tom Olin

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Honoring the Disability Rights Movement

July 26, 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — the landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public services and spaces.

Decades of advocacy, organizing, and direct action led by disabled people made the ADA possible. From the Capitol Crawl to local organizing here in Los Angeles, the disability rights movement continues to push society toward inclusion, justice, and equal opportunity.

This year, we recognize the advocates, artists, leaders, and everyday community members who work to advance disability rights and challenge ableism — not only during Disability Pride Month, but every day of the year.


ADA 35 Disability Art Showcase

In celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability is proud to present a juried showcase featuring artwork by disabled artists. This exhibition uplifts diverse perspectives and honors the slogan “Equity through Access” through powerful visual storytelling.

Two selected art pieces—by Diana Simon and Malia Goldman—are featured in our online exhibition. In addition, their work, along with four other pieces, is on display at the Department on Disability’s office throughout the month of July. 

This Disability Art Showcase is made possible through the support and guidance of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

A chaotic watercolor background in shades of turquoise, cobalt blue, and flecks of peach highlights a black line drawing of six children going to play. The first child, ostensibly a boy with curly hair, pants, and a short-sleeved shirt, carries an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that says “LET’S PLAY.” He leads a child with dark glasses, a white cane, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and no discernible gender by the hand.  Behind them, a feminine-presenting child with a bow in her h
Fair Play by Diana Simon
A grayscale photograph shows a young woman sitting on the grass with her head bowed, nearly hidden beneath an oversized sculpture of a California Disability Parking Placard worn around her neck. The placard rests heavily on her shoulders like a burden, draping across her torso and legs. The large icon of the International Symbol of Access is clearly visible, along with readable text such as “California ID,” “2021,” and “Placard.” Her face is mostly obscured by her hair and the structure itself. She wears da
VIP by Malia Goldman