July 26 marks the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The ADA is a comprehensive, wide-ranging civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.

The City of St Petersburg has long committed to the goals of the ADA. In 1972, before the ADA was signed, the City created the Committee for Assistance to the Physically Impaired, and in 1995 the City established the Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments (CAPI), which is still active today.

Equal access, participation and enjoyment for people of all abilities is vital for a thriving St. Pete. The City offers many programs and resources for people with disabilities, like accessible boat ramps at the Municipal Marina, wheelchair lifts at municipal pools, beach wheelchairs, adaptive golf carts at municipal golf courses and assistance with taking garbage cans to the curb.

Additionally, qualified applicants can earn loans or grants through the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program to make modifications to the home to make it accessible for persons with disabilities. More information at stpete.org/housing.

Learn about St. Pete's commitment to accessibility for all at stpete.org/ADA.