Americans with Disabilities Act Marks 35 Years of Change

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 35th anniversary on July 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the fight for disability rights in the United States. To commemorate this landmark legislation, the Council on Developmental Disabilities organized a rally on Rice Street, in front of the historic County Building in Kauai, Hawaii. Community members and local officials gathered to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

The rally began at 09:30 and continued until 11:30, accommodating the participation of clients from the Westside Easter Seals program. The event highlighted the ADA’s crucial role in prohibiting discrimination based on disability and ensuring access to employment, education, transportation, and community life.

“The ADA opened the doors to access — but real progress happens when laws meet action,” stated Daintry Bartoldus, Executive Administrator of the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities. She emphasized that the effort to uphold the spirit of the ADA extends beyond policy, focusing on tangible changes that promote dignity, choice, and community inclusion.

The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, known as the DD Council, plays a pivotal role in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a federally mandated and governor-appointed body, the DD Council focuses on identifying needs, coordinating services, and advancing policies that improve quality of life statewide. Its mission aligns with the ADA’s vision of full participation and equality.

Advancements in Disability Rights

In its commitment to removing barriers and enhancing inclusion, the DD Council has spearheaded several key legislative initiatives:

– **Ending Subminimum Wages**: Hawaii became the seventh state to eliminate the use of Section 14(c) waivers, which previously allowed employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage. This legislative change affirms the principle of equal pay for equal work.

– **Kal’s Law (Act 155, SLH 2019)**: This law established a state earned income disregard program allowing individuals with disabilities to earn a wage without jeopardizing their Medicaid benefits. This initiative supports economic independence and reduces reliance on government assistance.

– **Siler Alert Expansion**: The DD Council successfully advocated for the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in Hawaii’s Silver Alert system. This ensures that they receive the same protections as older adults when they are reported missing or at risk.

– **Supported Decision-Making Legislation**: The DD Council led efforts to pass laws recognizing Supported Decision-Making Agreements as a legal alternative to guardianship in Hawaii. This empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make their own choices with appropriate support.

– **ABLE Program**: The DD Council actively promotes the Hawaii ABLE Savings Program, which allows individuals with disabilities to save money for future expenses without losing access to essential benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

As the ADA marks its 35th anniversary, the DD Council reaffirms its dedication to fostering a Hawaii where individuals with disabilities are not only included but also empowered to live full and independent lives. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and accessibility for all.