Community Corner

21 Years: American Disabilities Act

Tuesday marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Just 21 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was a new concept as it aimed to ensure equal opportunity for Hermosa Beach residents and people across the country with disabilities.

Tuesday now marks the anniversary of when the law was signed, focusing on equality in the workplace and public accommodations. 

There are 36 million people with disabilities in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau—about 10.2 million have a hearing disability, about 6.5 million have a vision impairment, about 13.5 million have difficulty concentrating, and about 19.4 million have difficulty moving or walking.

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According to the latest Census figures, about 11 percent of Hermosa Beach's population lives with a disability. Here are more facts, according to the Census:

About 70 percent of Americans with a disability drive alone, 13 percent carpool, 4 percent walk and 3 percent use a taxicab, motorcycle, bicycle or other means.

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About 22 percent of Americans with a disability work in the educational services, health care and social assistance industries—the highest of any industry.

About 21 percent of the county's disabled population live below the poverty level—only 11 percent of the population without a disability live below the poverty level.

As the country celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act last year, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who is paralyzed from the chest down, presided over the House for the first time. He was the first quadriplegic elected to Congress in 2000.


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