July 26, 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), universally recognized as providing a significant pathway for individuals with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of life without discrimination and hindrance. Widespread recognition of the ADA continues to produce an evolving awareness of the need for accommodations and guidelines to ensure compliance with this pioneering Act. The ADA has become so established in American society that the New York Times recently published a special series of articles and editorials celebrating the profound effect it has made, and continues to make, in American society.

Within the vast spectrum of daily life activities, significant advances have been made to further the intent behind the ADA, from the installation of wheelchair ramps and elevators, to the availability of sign language interpreters. However, with the ADA comes a greater awareness: Not all disabilities fall squarely within the categories contemplated by the statute. To this end, awareness of disabilities is not enough: There must be unremitting progress in the manner through which disabilities are recognized, appreciated and accommodated.