Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act: July 26, 2026
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law by then-President George H.W. Bush in 1990, is the nation’s strongest measure protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities. It bars discrimination based on disability and guarantees equal access to public buildings and businesses, employment opportunities, transportation, telecommunications, commercial facilities, and state and local government services.
The following facts are possible thanks to the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we measure America’s people and economy.
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45.8 million or 13.7%
The total U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability in 2024.
Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
19.6%
The percentage of West Virginia’s civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability in 2024, the highest share of any state in the nation. New Jersey and Utah, both at 11.0%, had two of the nation’s lowest disability rates.
Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
10.5 million
Thetotal U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population ages 18 to 64 with a disability employed in 2024.
Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
$34,114
Median earnings (in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars) of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population age 16 and over with a disability and with earnings during the previous 12 months in 2024.
Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
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