The ADA Anniversary: Making Neighborhood Gatherings Welcoming for Everyone

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas of public life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations and government services. Its anniversary is a good moment to reflect on how far access has come and how much more we can do in our own neighborhoods.

Laws shape buildings and services, but everyday inclusion happens in the choices neighbors make when planning gatherings. This guide focuses on practical ways to make block parties, community meetings and summer events welcoming to people with disabilities.

Start With an Inclusive Mindset

Disability is part of everyday life. People may have disabilities that are visible or invisible, permanent or temporary, physical, sensory, intellectual or related to mental health. Many people will experience disability at some point in their lives.

A few principles guide inclusive planning:

• Plan for access from the beginning, not as an afterthought.
• Ask, do not assume. People know their own needs best.
• Make it easy to request accommodations.
• Respect independence and dignity.

Choose an Accessible Location

The venue matters more than almost anything else.

• Step-free access: Look for ground-level entrances or ramps.
• Firm, level surfaces: Paved areas or firm grass are easier than gravel or sand.
• Accessible restrooms: Check that restrooms are available and usable.
• Shade and seating: Provide chairs with backs and arms, in the shade, near activities.
• Parking and drop-off: Identify accessible parking and a convenient drop-off spot.
• Clear paths: Keep walkways at least wide enough for wheelchairs and free of cords, tables and coolers.

Share Information Clearly

Good communication helps everyone decide whether and how to attend.

• Include accessibility details in invitations: “Event is step-free. Accessible restroom available. Seating in shade.”
• Invite accommodation requests: “Please let us know how we can make this event accessible for you.”
• Use plain language and readable fonts on flyers.
• Share information in multiple formats: printed, digital and word of mouth.
• If you post images online, add short descriptions for people using screen readers.

Sensory Considerations

Many people, including some autistic people and people with sensory processing differences, find loud music, crowds and bright lights overwhelming.

• Keep music at a moderate volume.
• Create a quiet area away from the main activity where people can take a break.
• Share a simple schedule in advance so people know what to expect.
• Avoid surprise loud noises like air horns.

Communication Access

• Speak clearly and face people when talking.
• Use a microphone for announcements at larger events, and repeat key information.
• Provide written information for announcements and schedules.
• Consider interpreters or captioning for larger community meetings. Ask early, since these services usually need to be scheduled in advance.
• Offer materials in large print when possible.

Food and Refreshments

• Place food tables at a height reachable from a seated position.
• Offer help serving, but let people choose for themselves.
• Label food clearly, including allergens.
• Provide straws and easy-to-hold cups.

Activities Everyone Can Join

Think about whether activities can include people with different abilities.

• Offer seated options for games.
• Choose activities that can be adapted, like bean bag tosses with adjustable distances.
• Encourage cooperative rather than competitive games.
• Make sure performances and speakers are visible and audible from accessible seating areas.

Service Animals

Service animals are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, and under the ADA they are generally allowed in places open to the public. Do not pet or distract a working service animal. If you are hosting at a private home, being welcoming to service animals is a kind and inclusive choice.

Respectful Etiquette

• Ask before helping. “Would you like a hand with that?” Then follow their lead.
• Talk directly to the person, not to a companion or interpreter.
• Do not touch mobility devices without permission; they are part of a person’s personal space.
• Use people-first or identity-first language based on individual preference, and when in doubt, simply use the person’s name.
• Be patient with different communication styles.

Learn Together on the Anniversary

The ADA anniversary is a good time to learn more as a community.

• Visit your local library for books on disability history and the disability rights movement.
• Invite a local disability advocate or organization to share their perspective at a community meeting.
• Read about the activists whose persistence led to the law.

A Quick Accessibility Checklist for Hosts

Use this list when planning your next gathering.

• Is there a step-free route from the street or drop-off point to the event?
• Are accessible restrooms available nearby?
• Is there shaded seating with backs and arms?
• Are paths clear of cords, coolers and tables?
• Is the invitation clear about accessibility features and how to request accommodations?
• Is there a quieter space for breaks?
• Are food tables reachable from a seated position?
• Are announcements both spoken and written?
• Do volunteers know to ask before helping?

Checking these boxes does not guarantee every barrier is gone, but it shows neighbors that their participation matters.

Keep Improving

After each event, ask for feedback: What worked? What made it hard to participate? Listening and adjusting over time is how communities become truly welcoming.

Access is not just about ramps and restrooms. It is about the message every event sends: You belong here. On the ADA anniversary and every day, neighborhoods can choose to make that message clear.