On the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Friday, the Democratic National Convention announced a round of accessibility accommodations at main venues the United Center and McCormick Place.
DNC officials said in a release that the party is committed to making this year’s convention “the most accessible in history.”
“Accessibility should be the default, not an afterthought,” Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth said in the release. “I’m proud to see the efforts the Democratic National Convention Committee is taking to not just be the most accessible Democratic Convention of our lifetimes, but to help set a high standard of what accessibility can be for large scale events as well.”
The DNC runs August 19-22.
Accessibility efforts include construction of the first ADA-compliant ramp in DNC history, which organizers say will provide direct access to the convention floor at the United Center. In years past, delegates with disabilities have not always been able to be seated on the convention floor.
Other accommodations include:
- Designated accessible parking
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances
- Accessible restrooms
- Dedicated spaces at the United Center and McCormick Place for people with disabilities
President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990. As a U.S. senator at the time, President Joe Biden was a co-sponsor of the legislation. July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month to mark the anniversary.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. More than 70 million Americans live with disabilities.