This week, Cure SMA and advocates with SMA celebrated Disability Pride and the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a special reception at the White House. The event marked a significant occasion to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving full equality and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, national disability advocates, and members of the SMA community gathered for this special reception, which featured a keynote address by President Biden. In his speech, the President emphasized ongoing efforts to create a world where individuals with disabilities can thrive without the limitations imposed by outdated policies, inaccessible environments, and systemic barriers.
The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a landmark achievement in the fight for disability rights. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. This event served as a reminder of the progress made over the past three decades by both the SMA and broader disability communities—and of the work that remains.
The White House hosted Cure SMA for its long-time disability advocacy in addressing the everyday challenges and needs of individuals with SMA and their families. This summer, Cure SMA-supported provisions to make air travel safer and more accessible for passengers who use wheelchairs were signed into law. In addition, Cure SMA and the SMA community greatly expanded congressional support for numerous SMA community priorities around financial security, caregiving, and housing. Cure SMA will continue to work in the final days of the 118 Congress to advance and raise awareness about SMA community priorities. To learn more about Cure SMA’s advocacy efforts and how you can get involved, visit https://www.curesma.org/cure-sma-advocacy.