RTD to host 35th anniversary event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act

DENVER (July 10, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) invites the public to join in commemorating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during a special event, “35 Years of Progress: ADA Past, Present, and Future,” on Friday, Aug. 1. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown-Convention Center, located at 550 15th St.

Passed in 1990, ADA expanded protections against discrimination and reshaped public infrastructure, including transit systems, to be more accessible and equitable for people living with disabilities. Denver’s disability community has played a leading role in advocating for these rights, both before and since the law’s passage.

As part of this year’s milestone celebration, RTD will unveil a special ADA 35th Anniversary bus wrap, designed by the winner of the agency’s bus design contest. The commemorative design reflects RTD’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, equity and inclusion in public transit.

Attendees will explore an immersive history exhibit featuring oral histories, artifacts, and a documentary about the local disability rights movement shared by the Phamaly Theatre Company. The event will also feature a multigenerational panel discussion bringing together people with disabilities to reflect on the ADA’s past, current progress and future.

RTD invites all community members, advocates, and partners to take part in the celebration and help further the discussion about how transportation can continue to support independence and opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

Click here to RSVP by July 25.