The Americans with Disabilities Act turned 35 this year, and Pitt is marking that milestone by collecting stories how the lasting impact of the landmark disability law.

Beginning now and continuing through National Employment Disability Awareness Month in October, members of the Pitt community — faculty, staff and students — are being invited by Disability Resources & Services in the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing  to talk about ways in which the ADA lowered barriers they faced in education and employment. Stories may be submitted online through Sept. 30.

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. In the White House, the ADA’s strongest advocate was perhaps U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh (Law, ’57), former governor of Pennsylvania and a Pitt alumnus, who was the father of a child with a disability.

Jay Hornack, adjunct professor in the Pitt School of Law, says that before the ADA, universities were governed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Although that law made some provision for accommodations for the disabled, its impact didn’t approach that of the ADA.

The ADA “brought the needs and rights of the disabled community much more front and center,” says Hornack, who sits on the legal committee for the non-profit Disability Rights Pennsylvania and previously chaired the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Law and Disability Committee.

“A college campus is a much better place to be 35 years later because of the ADA,” he says. “Hearing impairments, speech impairments, mobility impairments — it’s gotten rid of a large amount of the stigma for people to ask for an adjustment for their situation. It’s allowed people who have a medical condition that’s not obvious to come forward and ask for an accommodation.”

Leigh Culley, interim assistant vice chancellor for accessibility in the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing, said they are looking for ways to share the stories they receive.

“To some extent, how we share them will depend on how many, and what kinds, of stories we receive,” she said. “At the very least, we will certainly want to share them on the DRS website and social media, but we are also considering having an upcoming event during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

People can share their anecdotes anonymously or sign their name if they choose.

“If they sign their name and we do have an in-person event, we hope they will be able to join us in person so that we can celebrate them as well as the 35th anniversary of the ADA,”  Culley said.

“This landmark legislation has been instrumental to eliminating barriers to access, and creating a space where all people, regardless of their disability, can engage, learn, work, and experience the full range of educational, professional, and personal growth opportunities,” she said.

Read more about the ADA on the wellbeing office’s website.

ACCESS awards

For the second year, Pitt Disability Resources and Services will be giving out ACCESS (Advocating Campus Change for Equitable and Supportive Solutions) awards during the month of October — National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The award recognizes employees who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating an accessible and welcoming campus experience and/or environment for individuals with disabilities. Through advocacy, innovation, mentorship, and leadership, recipients of this award help ensure that all University community members, regardless of ability, can thrive and fully contribute to our mission.

For 2025, there will be two recipients of the ACCESS award.

• One employee will be recognized for their contributions to the workplace environment for fellow employees with disabilities.

• One employee will be recognized for their contributions to the student experience for students with disabilities.

Faculty, staff and students can nominate a Pitt faculty or staff member for this recognition through the end of the day on Sept. 26.  

Questions? Contact Disability Resources and Services at 412-648-7890 or drsrecep@pitt.edu.