Celebrate 35 Years of Progress: ADA Past, Present, and Future
In August, RTD will present “35 Years of Progress: ADA Past, Present, and Future,” a celebratory event honoring the history, achievements, and ongoing journey of the Accessibility Movement. This event will mark the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a transformative piece of legislation that reshaped the landscape of accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
The ADA, signed into law in 1990, was a monumental step in the fight for equality, extending anti-discrimination protections and dramatically improving access to public services, including transportation. The ADA’s influence resonates today, ensuring fair access to public transportation and fostering opportunities for everyone to participate in society.
Bus Wrap Design Contest
RTD is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our agency and operations. In partnership with Atlantis Community, the Center for People with Disabilities, City and County of Denver's Disability Rights Division, Boulder County’s Mobility for All Program, Rocky Mountain ADA Center, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Canine Partners of the Rockies, Phamaly Theatre Company, the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, and other valuable community partners. Join RTD in celebrating the ADA’s impact.
We aim to:
- Celebrate the profound impact of the ADA and other transformative legislation on the civil, political, and legal rights of people with disabilities
- Recognize individuals, organizations, and key moments in Colorado and across the nation that have advanced equity, accessibility, and inclusion
- Create dynamic and inclusive designs that showcase the strength and diversity of our community
- Inspire action by raising awareness, engaging the public, and encouraging continued advocacy for accessibility rights
The design for the commemorative bus wrap will be selected through a collaborative evaluation process by a panel of RTD staff and community organizations that serve individuals with disabilities. Artist applications and design concepts will be reviewed May 9-16. The winning artist or team will be announced on May 19, with the completed bus wrap design revealed on Aug.1 during the anniversary event.
RTD and its valued partners look forward to seeing the applications and design submissions from the community. For complete information on bus wrap design criteria and submission, please visit the 35th ADA Anniversary Bus Wrap website.
Bus Wrap Evaluation Timeline
- March 31 – Media Release Announcement and News Stop article
- April 1 – Applications Open
- May 6 – Submission Deadline
- May 9 – Submission Reviews by Evaluation Panel
- May 16 – Selection of Artist and Wrap Design
- May 19 – Notify Winner
For more information, please contact the ADA office at [email protected].
Through this celebration, we honor the past, embrace the present, and continue the vital work for a fully accessible and inclusive future. Join us in commemorating this landmark moment, and let’s inspire action for continued progress in accessibility rights!