Image courtesy office of Gov. Laura Kelly

Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas lawmakers, disability advocates, and community leaders Friday to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The event highlighted the law’s impact in expanding civil rights and access for individuals with disabilities.

Also in attendance were State Representative Susan Ruiz and Whit Downing, Vice President of Policy and Programming for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Signed in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures equal access to public spaces, employment, transportation, government services, and telecommunications.

During the event, Governor Kelly signed a proclamation officially recognizing July 26, 2025, as the 35th Anniversary of the ADA in Kansas.