Long before the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, was passed in 1990, the disability rights movement was born in Berkeley.

The city and UC Berkeley are inextricably tied to the fight for the ADA, which advanced many important protections for those with disabilities. But now, 30 years after it was passed, there are ongoing efforts to make both the city and campus more accessible to people with disabilities — and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the barriers some residents and students face. 

The Daily Californian’s “30 Years of ADA” issue looks at the varied experiences of students with disabilities and presents a broader perspective of issues people with disabilities navigate. Though the ADA was passed in July 1990, October marks Disability Awareness Month, making it an apt time to reflect on how the campus and city can improve their relationship with and outreach to Berkeley’s disability community.