A Message from EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas on the 35th Anniversary of the ADA

35 years ago, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.

At the signing ceremony, then-EEOC Chair Evan Kemp joined President Bush at the White House and described the new law as ‘welcoming all Americans into the mainstream.’

It meant that the ADA opened the doors of opportunity for workers with disabilities. It also meant that the doors stayed open for those who faced unexpected challenges—so they could still access and remain in the workplace, with the dignity and protection they deserved.

At the EEOC, enforcing the ADA is both our responsibility and our privilege.

This landmark law—and the others we uphold—have empowered millions to pursue their full potential and fully participate in the American workforce.

Since 1992, when the ADA went into effect, the EEOC has received more than 688,000 charges of disability discrimination, and more than 33,000 in fiscal year 2024, an all-time high.

The impact of our work is being felt across the country—a full-duty policy settlement for $919,000, and a public charge conciliation for $200,000. Since just June 1, 2025, the EEOC has filed four new ADA lawsuits and achieved eight settlements for more than $1.52 million.

As always, we encourage employers, managers, and HR representatives to access available ADA resources, including our own page on eeoc.gov and askjan.org, to help understand the ADA and the types of accommodations which can be used to help workers with disabilities. Many accommodations can be done at little or no cost.

Working alongside the dedicated staff of the EEOC and building on the strong foundation laid by the leaders who paved the way and helped shape the Commission’s legacy, I am confident we will continue advancing workplaces that uphold equal opportunity, merit, and respect for the rule of law.