On July 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Administration for Community Living hosted a special event to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Held in the Great Hall of HHS' headquarters, the celebration brought together individuals with disabilities, advocates, and federal partners to honor the progress made since the law’s signing. Through powerful personal stories and reflections from leaders, the event highlighted the ADA’s enduring impact and renewed a shared commitment to building a better future for Americans with disabilities.
A Poem by Whit Downing
As read during the event
I believe in Dream Teams, in people who stay,
who fight for tomorrow while honoring today.
I believe in systems that learn how to bend;
that start with the person and not just the end.
I believe in voices that once went unheard…
rising powerfully with every word.
I’ve known what it’s like to feel small in the fight,
but I’ve also known courage that came from the night.
The ADA sparked it, a fire, a flame.
A promise that power would never be the same.
So let’s keep building, not just repair.
Let’s dream up a world that’s just and fair.
Where needs aren’t a burden and love isn’t rare,
where we rise because we dare to care.
We belong. We have always belonged.
And together, we are writing a brand new song.
