As the American with Disabilities Act, or ADA, marks its 35th anniversary this July, National Children’s Center (NCC) CEO Terrance King is honoring the transformative legislation with a nod to the evolution of disability rights and a prompt reminder of its continued significance – particularly in the face of legislation targeting pivotal protections.

“Our fight right now in regards to disability services is not to go backwards,” King told The Informer. “We see individuals who have come through [NCC]…and now they are thriving in an inclusive opportunity, whether it’s work, employment, schools. All of these things have been somewhat of a connection to over 35 years of the American Disability Act.”

The remarks follow the Supreme Court’s approval to dismantle the Department of Education, threatening civil rights against discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, along with the passing of the Trump-led 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA – which will reduce federal Medicaid spending by approximately $1 trillion over the next decade.

As president of the regional nonprofit empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), King hails this month’s Disability Pride as a pivotal reflection of the resistance and resilience that fortified the bill signed into law on July 26, 1990.

Further, he challenges organizations and communities alike to illuminate that foundation through initiatives aimed at increasing community engagement, national awareness, and upholding the promises afforded by the ADA, such as the 60-hour Medicaid vigil hosted by The Arc – a national organization serving people with IDD – on the National Mall July 23 through 26.

“We’ve taken so much, and made so much ground over these 35 years [with the ADA],” King said. “We have to continue to advocate, make a voice, state a voice, and encourage others to join us as well.”

Upholding the Promises Afforded by the ADA

With the support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, annual programming such as NCC’s respective Day Program and Early Learning and Early Intervention Center (ELC) summer camp, hosted in Ward 8, thrive in shaping the livelihood and independence of disabled persons in the DMV.

External partnerships with organizations like Women and Drones Network and Northwest’s Lifeline Partnership prioritize inclusive skill building by supporting development and interest with exposure to drone flying and cooking classes, all the while prompting a “creative, stimulating” environment for participants to garner essential life skills and self-confidence that will benefit job employment and independent living.

“It’s not just confined to a single month. At NCC, we live this mission day in and day out through the people that we provide [for],” King told The Informer. “From accessible services, inclusive supports, deepening their respect for dignity and potential – for every person, as we say, to live as independently as possible.”

The NCC president notes the ongoing mission of the disability pride movement that catapulted with the Capitol Crawl of 1990, when more than 1,000 people marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol in the spring to demand that Congress pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The physical demonstration saw individuals – as young as then 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins – toss aside wheelchairs and canes to enact change amid the realities of inaccessible architecture, transportations, and a host of vital services, some of which King warns can vanish “if we keep going in this direction.”

“Just because the passing of [OBBBA] has occurred, we have to continue to voice our concerns,” King pleaded, highlighting the need for unity to champion equity in healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and housing for people with disabilities.

Thus, in honor of the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, organizations in support of disabled persons such as NCC, Bethesda-based Makom, and others are gathering atop the National Mall to share truths and call attention to the communities across the nation disproportionately affected by the biggest cuts in the program’s 60-year history.

With the visual demonstration to commence through July 26 at 9 a.m. ET, the goal is reminiscent of a similar vision lauded by former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin (D), a prominent supporter of the ADA, following the bill’s congressional approval in 1990.

“Today, Congress opens the doors to all Americans with disabilities,” Harkin signed to his colleagues in American Sign Language, in honor of his deaf brother. “Today we say no to ignorance, no to fear, no to prejudice.”

Beyond July’s Disability Pride Month, King encourages communities to leverage numerous avenues to ensure people with disabilities relish the continued protections established 35 years ago.

Among the calls to action include: attending D.C. Council meetings; volunteering for disability organizations; lobbying local and federal representatives and policies; voting; and staying connected with advocacy groups like NCC to further awareness and information.

To increase disability pride representation, alongside the aforementioned focus areas, the CEO emphasized addressing issues centered on social determinants where individuals with disabilities are often overlooked, such as innovation and technology.

“Whether you’re a neighbor, a policy maker, a teacher, a reader of The Washington Informer, we all need to play a role in this…providing a voice…growing the disability pride, especially for those who cannot speak for themselves,” King told The Informer. “They count on organizations like NCC, and they count on you. So if you have any opportunity to advocate – to send a message, a letter, email, a text, do so. You’re making a difference.”