The Americans with Disabilities Act turned 35 on July 26, 2025, commemorating a law that transformed accessibility across the United States. Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA introduced disability as a protected civil-rights category, allowing anyone to claim protection at any stage of life. Over three decades, the statute has reshaped public spaces, workplaces, and recreational venues, turning abstract inclusion into everyday reality.
In Fulton County, the commitment to translate legal rights into lived experience is ongoing. The county’s Department of Diversity and Civil Rights Compliance (DCRC) works side-by-side with the Commission on Disability Affairs (CODA) to audit facilities, revise policies, and train staff. Central to this effort is the Reasonable Accommodation process, which lets employees and visitors request modifications to rules, practices, or physical environments so they can enjoy the same benefits as others. The procedure is open to all county workers with disabilities, ensuring they can thrive in their roles without unnecessary barriers.
Fulton County’s ongoing ADA initiatives
Established by a board resolution on April 15, 1992, CODA serves as the county’s advisory hub for disability-related quality-of-life issues. The commission supplies data and recommendations to both the Board of Commissioners and DCRC, helping the county meet state and federal mandates. Regular reviews of public buildings, transportation hubs, and recreational areas are conducted to verify compliance with accessibility standards. When gaps are identified, DCRC coordinates with facility managers to implement changes ranging from tactile signage to wheelchair-friendly ramps.
How to request reasonable accommodation
Any individual who believes a barrier prevents full participation can submit a reasonable accommodation request through a simple online portal or by contacting DCRC directly. The request may address physical modifications, such as installing an accessible restroom, or policy adjustments, like allowing service animals in previously restricted areas. Each submission is evaluated promptly; the county strives to provide a response within ten business days, reflecting the ADA’s emphasis on timely, effective remedies.
Summer resource expo celebrating 35 years of the ADA
To honor the milestone, DCRC and CODA are organizing a three-hour resource expo on July 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held in the atrium of the Fulton County Government Center, located at 141 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Attendees can explore informational booths, meet experts from the ADA National Network, the Southeast ADA Center, and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), and learn how to navigate the accommodation process. A proclamation ceremony will officially recognize the national celebration of the ADA, and participants are invited to share the hashtag #ThanksToTheADA on social media.
Beyond the in-person gathering, the county is promoting a suite of virtual events hosted on the national ADA website, ensuring that residents who cannot attend physically still benefit from the resources. Links to additional guidance, downloadable toolkits, and contact information for local disability advocates will be available on the DCRC’s webpage. This layered approach—combining a public expo, digital outreach, and ongoing policy work—demonstrates Fulton County’s resolve to keep accessibility an everyday reality, not just a legal requirement.
