Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights

by Lennard J. Davis

The first major behind-the-scenes account of the history, passage, and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—the landmark moment for disability rights The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the widest-ranging and most comprehensive piece of civil rights legislation ever passed in the United States, and it has become the model for disability-based laws around the world. Yet the surprising story behind how the bill came to be is little known. In this riveting account, acclaimed disability scholar Lennard J. Davis delivers the first on-the-ground narrative of how a band of leftist Berkeley hippies managed to make an alliance with upper-crust, conservative Republicans to bring about a truly bipartisan bill. Based on extensive interviews with all the major players involved including legislators and activists, Davis recreates the dramatic tension of a story that is anything but a dry account of bills and speeches. Rather, it’s filled with one indefatigable character after another, culminating in explosive moments when the hidden army of the disability community stages scenes like the iconic “Capitol Crawl” or an event when students stormed Gallaudet University demanding a “Deaf President Now!” From inside the offices of newly formed disability groups to secret breakfast meetings surreptitiously held outside the White House grounds, here we meet countless unsung characters, including political heavyweights and disability advocates on the front lines. “You want to fight?” an angered Ted Kennedy would shout in an upstairs room at the Capitol while negotiating the final details of the ADA. Congressman Tony Coelho, whose parents once thought him to be possessed by the devil because of his epilepsy, later became the bill’s primary sponsor. There’s Justin Dart, adorned in disability power buttons and his signature cowboy hat, who took to the road canvassing 50 states, and people like Patrisha Wright, also known as “The General,” Arlene Myerson or “the brains,” “architect” Bob Funk, and visionary Mary Lou Breslin, who left the hippie highlands of the West to pursue equal rights in the marble halls of DC.

Genres: Disability, History, Nonfiction, Politics, Disability Studies, Health

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2015

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enabling Acts is a fascinating, in-depth examination of the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act was created and passed in 1990. Since I have taught this legislation to my students, I thought I was familiar with it but this book revealed much information about which I was unaware.

There are wonderful portraits of the various (and many) people involved in passing this legislation. I was both heartened by the cross-party lines support (disability affects people of all political affiliations-it is estimated that 1 out of 5 Americans will be disabled at some point in the lives) and saddened by the idea that this would most likely not be possible today.

I was aware of the ways in which the disability rights movement mirrors the Civil Rights Movement but it was interesting to see the many ways in which it differs. Getting people who are physically limited or controlled by caregivers or living in institutions to participate in mass gatherings is a real challenge. The internet is a huge facilitator in this movement allowing people who otherwise would have no voice the opportunity to speak out.

Of course, the Republicans (who were in office at the time of the bill’s passage) took credit for the bill but this seems to be a small price to pay for this important step in the civil rights of all Americans.

The book ends with an examination of how the legislation has affected the lives of people with disabilities who continue to face discrimination in employment and housing. It is both moving and infuriating to see how the legislation both helps yet continues to be limited in its ability to move people with disabilities completely into mainstream life. It saddened and enraged me to see how the courts have not supported the intent of the bill and how far people with disabilities still have to go to attain equal access to jobs, housing, even independent housing and public transportation.

However, the book is inspiring in its picture of how progress can be made in the advancement of all people, including our most vulnerable.

My major criticism of the book is that although there are times it reads smoothly there are other times when the dryness of the writing made it difficult to continue.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this book provided by LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. The book was both interesting and enlightening. It is an appropriate testament to this legislation at the time of its 25th anniversary, both to Acts’ achievements and limitations.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Enabling Acts" is thorough history of the ADA from it's conception to its passage. Many don't realize how much was changed for those with physical and cognitive disabilities with the passage of the act, nor do they realize just how difficult it was to get passed. This book is well-researched and includes many facts. It can be a difficult read and meander some at times, so I would not recommend it for those looking for a light or easy read.

This unbiased review is based on a book was won through the Goodreads First Reads program.

[victor harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a step forward, the Civil Rights Act and other legislation of the 1960s did not adequately address the needs of millions with disabilities. Building on that legislation, various segments of that population aligned to become a more potent lobbying effort and exert their influence in the political arena. They managed to recruit support from both Democrats and Republicans who were sympathetic to their cause. It would take until 1990 during the Bush I administration until their efforts were rewarded with an updated and more comprehensive Disability Act.
Be forewarned, there is heavy focus on the legislative process as the propositions and revisions moved snake-like through that process over the course of decades. If you do not have an appetite for that type of political infighting or hair-splitting you might want to just browse for the highlights, which in themselves are important to know.
In order to achieve the goal of passing such a bill there were a number of roadblocks and the anticipated legal challenges. Among them was defining disabled. Who qualified? Other than the obvious wheelchair bound people who experienced pronounced discrimination in employment seeking and navigating buildings and transportation, the lines became blurred. Were mentally ill people eligible? Those hampered by disease? The AIDS outbreak occurred as the legislation was being drafted, were people with that virus to be included? Then there was the issue of remedies. What would be the limitations on legal action for discrimination? How should facilities be adapted? What size businesses - big, small had to comply?
With handicapped parking spots and more handicapped-friendly facilities in the modern era, we tend to take such things for granted. But it wasn't always so, and it required a herculean effort from many contributors to achieve such a level of accommodation. It is a work that shows how well-focused and persistent lobbying can have the desired outcome. One wonders if in the current polarized climate whether such a noble endeavor could be achieved.

[Yaaresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

How the sausage got made. And, damn, but it is nauseating. Well-written and very readable book, though. Well, readable if your blood pressure meds are working.

If you're in the least bit interested in how politicians can take a good idea and completely screw it up through self-serving arrogance, greed, and good ol' American double dealing, this is a book you should read. You don't even have to be interested in the ADA. I have no doubt that the same tactics were in heavy play for the every legislation dating back to the First Continental Congress, only getting more partisan and self-promoting and hypocritical as time passed. But it's been especially onerous and ugly since the Reagan years. Just something about the group of assholes that came into power in that time that is particularly skanky. But the GOP has no monopoly on toxic politics and self-interests, not by a long shot. Between the eccentric non-politicians leading the charge, the disingenuous politicians, and the clueless (and keep that way on purpose) staff, it's surprised the ADA -- or any legislation, really -- got passed.

My one fault with this book is that it skimps on the aftermath, on really looking hard at whether the ADA actually accomplished what it was supposed to do. That in itself would be a whole other book, I suppose, and one more contentious than this one. Politicians always point to the ADA as a huge win, but if that were so, why is it that a higher percentage of disabled than ever are unemployed and living far below the poverty line? I have some personal insight into why this is the case, but no interest in climbing onto that soapbox here and now.

[Kristi Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The ADA is an excellent example of a bipartisanship no longer extant but made possible when a Republican President, George H. W. Bush, worked together with a Democratic House and Senate.”


I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program for an honest review.

One in Five of every American is disabled, so I would venture to say that unless you are a hermit, you or someone you love is disabled. It is so easy to forget what life was like for the disabled in this country before the Americans with Disabilities Act gave people their freedom. When you look at a city bus and see the ramp, take the time to realize before the ADA people in wheelchairs had to stay home. It was difficult to get jobs or go to school with everyone else. The entire story of how this act was conceived and finally passed is in “Enabling Acts” by Lennard J. Davis a man whose parents were deaf.

I enjoyed reading this book because I like to see how government works when it works, and how to make it work. I also am disabled with arthritis, my husband has epilepsy, a son is autistic and a daughter suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. I don’t get SSDI and don’t expect to but it is helpful for my son and hopefully my daughter will be able to get assistance soon. I think the most important thing to come out of the ADA was the integration of the disabled into normal life. It is less costly in the long run to accommodate and allow people to contribute to this country.

This is a fascinating story of the ins and outs of selling an idea and encouraging people on both sides to work together and come up with a plan that works. Sometimes this book worked like a thriller to me, as I wasn’t sure how they could do it with so much opposition from businesses and the transportation industries.

There are many heartwarming stories like Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa whose older brother was deaf. In the early days, there were outside programs that would train deaf people for certain jobs and Frank was forced to become a baker. He hated the job and one day a man came in and bought his bread and asked him if he liked his job. He shook his head and this man, who happened to own a factory, asked him if he would like to come and work for him, the end of the story is that Frank did great in his factory job, because he wasn’t bothered by the noise. Soon the man hired more deaf workers. It is a great story and one of the reasons the bill was able to pass was the fact that so many people know someone with a handicap and know that they are no different from anyone else.

The last chapter in this book shows me that the work is not complete. Too many businesses, state, and federal government are doing their best to undo the hard work that the ADA requires.

Lennard J. Davis wrote a great book about the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it passed and became the law of the land. Anyone who loves politics will enjoy this book, anyone who is disabled or knows someone who is disabled will like this book, and if you enjoy a thriller and mystery that happens to be true, you will enjoy this book.

[Nancy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an exhaustive treatment of how the Americans with Disabilities Act came to be proposed and passed in 1990. On the whole, there was far more detail than interested me, a person with no political leanings. But the author often focuses on the personalities involved, and that's when the narrative really engaged me. (It's why I like reading The Wall Street Journal... the focus is always on the people rather than say, the convertible subordinated debentures.)

The author delves into the families and friends of the main players to show how knowing people with disabilities and the obstacles they face powered the effort to pass this piece of civil rights legislation. I especially liked the last part of the book where the author shows how the legislation has impacted the lives of people who have been discriminated against because of their disabilities. It's really incredible what businesses and organizations try to get away with.

The day the bill was signed into law is another focus of the author's book. For those who like partisan politics, it will be fascinating to read how President Bush staged the event to make it look like a Republican triumph... by discriminating against people who worked hard for the cause but just happened to be of the wrong party!

The one thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the confusing grammar. The narrative ping pongs back and forth between different tenses, past and present, simple perfect (will do something) and future perfect (will have done something). It's jarring for a reader; it makes for a nonlinear narrative that forces the reader to work hard for comprehension. I recently read another book from Beacon Press (Shots on the Bridge: Police Violence and Cover-Up in the Wake of Katrina) with the same confusing construction. I guess grammar is a fluid concept for this publisher.

[The Curious Spoonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enabling Acts is a well written and thoroughly researched account of the Americans With Disabilities Act from the first glimmer of the idea to the bill’s final passage. Lennard Davis’s account of this landmark legislation not only features the work of the well known politicians involved but also the lesser known contributions of activist groups, staff and aides, and related lobbyists. All together this paints a detailed picture of a milestone in the progression of the disability rights movement.

Although the heart of the narrative is the importance of disability justice, this is still a story of the legislative process. If you aren’t particularly interested in the necessary negotiations, backroom deals, and endless committees involved in a task such as this you might find some of this book a bit slow. But this was remedied for me personally by the author’s well paced and relatable style. Davis’s writing in no way reads like a simple gathering of historical facts but instead is accented with touches of humor and personal stories.

He accentuates one important aspect of the ADA that I had never really thought about before - the fact that those shaping and championing the bill were not just working to achieve justice for the disabled but to correct and establish that disability in and of itself is not an issue of providing support but instead one of civil rights. In addition to fighting for the freedoms of the disabled the process necessitated that the very definition of disability be established and defined.

I think there are aspects of the political and legislative world that many of us find a little repugnant and I can’t say that isn’t true for some parts of this story. The people featured here are clearly those of power or privilege. The book touches only lightly on the protest movement itself. But that doesn’t mean this book is without uplifting moments of moral fortitude. I found it impressive and heartening that, when the rights of those with HIV were in danger of being cut from the bill, those representing the disability community held firm and insisted that no one be excluded even at the risk of losing passage. There was a concerted effort to include the full diversity of the community from physical and sensory disabilities to the neurodivergent and chronically ill.

As I moved through the book I did discover one drawback to telling this story. There were a lot of people involved in the process of establishing the ADA and that means that there were a lot (and I do mean a lot) of names to keep track of while reading. There is a list provided at the back of the book which was a helpful idea, but I wish this would have been either included or mentioned at the front of the book because I didn’t realize it was there until I was almost finished. Of course, this issue isn’t exactly something the author could have avoided given the topic and Davis did a good job of trying to define each individual character by providing personal descriptions and some back history.

Another thing I noticed and appreciated was how Mr. Davis made a noticeable effort to note the personal connections each person involved had to disability. His descriptions of the way these characters had been touched by disability in their own lives made them seem more human and highlighted the importance of disabled voices being a mandatory part of any and all decisions affecting disabled lives.

The only thing that I really felt was missing from the story was a connection to the broader social context. Although I was able to learn about the legislative impetus needed to pass the ADA I found myself wondering what exactly made this particular time in American history the time in which such an achievement could be obtained. I feel very doubtful that such a feat could be accomplished in today’s political climate.

I sincerely hope that, as a society, we continue to move towards disability acceptance and inclusion. Knowing the history of the community and struggle is an important part of that effort and Enabling Acts is a successful and appreciated contribution towards that ultimate goal.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most of this book a few years ago, so technically this was a reread! During my first read, I was working on my first-ever college paper explicitly about disability (specifically the passage of the ADA), and since then, I've gone on to concentrate in health, illness, and disability studies and deeply pursue disability and chronic illness advocacy, so I was in a much different headspace while reading this time. Strangely enough, though, I found myself reacting in similar and remembered ways: impressed by the level of detail this book has as a legislative history, frustrated by the representations of bipartisanship as necessary to passing any legislation and by extension as a helpful 'good,' invested in some individuals' stories and quirks but also overwhelmed by the sheer cast of policymakers, advocates, supporters, and people involved, emotional about the weight of communal disability history and futures.

Even though this is an immaculately researched book written as approachably as possible for its level of detail, I admittedly only reread it because of its assignment in a disability advocacy program I'm in. I don't think I would rely on Davis anymore for well-framed and engaged history, following his actions and comments related to the Disability Studies Reader: https://www.chronicle.com/article/why.... Even as this book frequently alludes to, the perspectives we develop and share in our personal lives and the perspectives we assert in overtly political spheres are deeply connected. I don't trust Davis's framing and analysis overall, given his other decisions.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to give this book 4 stars, initially. But I think it earned its 5 because Lennard Davis has excellent examples and in-depth and inside knowledge of how the ADA passed. It was a long, arduous battle of many people involved to finally get this passed through both the Democrat and Republican sides of government.

I am grateful for the ADA, as it gives people with disabilities more power to exercise their rights. They are given the ability to be seen, to be heard, and to live a much more abundant life than before. It's so easy to take our freedoms for granted, but our freedoms have come at a price. A price that has taken much sacrifice and struggle, that without such struggles life would most certainly be more difficult and we would struggle more to get by.

I don't think we are done, though... there is still a stigma attached to people with disabilities. A stigma that stifles confidence and makes it tougher to make it in a world more designed for people who are "normal."

So I will now get off my soapbox, and return to my busy life.... but, I am glad I listened to Enabling Acts. It was enlightening and empowering to hear about all the struggles and victories that we have accomplished for people with disabilities and more.

I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking to get actively involved in helping anyone in need, or volunteering, or really anything that is helpful to the less fortunate.... it's a drawn out book, but certainly worth it if you have the free time.

[Kit Aronoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis provides an excellent and comprehensive deep-dive into the process of getting the ADA passed. He does a good job of helping the reader understand not just what happened, but why it happened. I particularly liked that he brought attention to those who were in the background supporting individuals who were trying to pass the act. The wives and family members, for example, who did invisible labor during the process. Davis also made sure to incorporate what was happening among activist groups, legislatures, and staffers. It made for an insightful read on the process of getting a bill signed into law. The author also had a balanced portrayal of how events get woven into the lore of a group and the significance that can have over time.

Overall, I really enjoyed this read. It was thorough, and I really feel that I came away having learned a lot about the history involved in passing the ADA.

[Bruce Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazingly detailed, well researched account of the legislative story(ies) behind the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The author makes the point early on that while some amount of publicity was gained by disability activists during widely publicized demonstrations, the vast majority of the credit for passing the ADA lies with dozens of people who labored mostly behind the scenes drafting legislation, building political alliances, shepherding legislation through numerous committees, bringing together advocates within and without the White House and Congress, and otherwise did the hard work of pushing legislation that many feared due to the potential for catastrophic costs to businesses. This is a great story.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great eye opening look into how the ADA was conceived and passed in 1990 with a final chapter on how ableism continues 25+ years later. I loved learning how the group of unlikely collaborators worked together to make this impressive piece of civil rights legislation happen. Very impressive. And it was upsetting to realize just how few legal rights people with disabilities had before 1990. Only lost one star because it was hard for me to keep track of all the names and their stories sometimes.

[Kit Englard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how Davis gets straight to the point in this book. He opens with strong historical context and quickly pulls readers into the political landscape surrounding the passage of the ADA. What stood out most to me was his refusal to credit any single person or group. Instead, he emphasizes that landmark legislation like this comes from years of work across Capitol Hill, grassroots organizers, disability rights groups, community leaders, and even businesses.

If you want to understand the history of disability rights in the U.S., this is essential reading.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was both fascinating and frustrating. The fascination of how legislation as large as the ADA happens though the down and dirty work and dealing in Washington was a great look into how change actually happens in the contemporary USA. The frustrating aspect of this book was the play-by-play, rattle off a thousand names style of writing.

While I love—and often need—a chronological narrative to follow in a book, this had often too much detail. This lead to confusion and a mosaic memory of what I even read. The subject matter is still essential knowledge, however.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history into how the ADA was established and how many admins it went through before it really developed. It kept changing and new things were added over the years until it finally became a natural part of society and provided disabled citizens with more opportunities to live more independently. I am thankful for this bill, and while I think more can be added to it, the ADA has spared me a lot over the years.

[Britt Fitts · Rating 3 out of 5]

While dry, "Enabling Acts" by Lennard J. Davis had some insightful information about what it took to get the ADA passed, even mentioning some personal struggles that were happening behind the scenes.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
"I said, 'Which of you here can define "undue hardship"?' There was silence. I said, 'John?' He had the answer. So Wodatch remained since no one else, apparently, could go through the legislative process and knew in detail what the act meant."

[Tyler Upchurch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am passionate about disability and thankful for the ADA, but this book was an apparently faithful report of a tedious, two year long process. There was interest from both parties and independents in establishing the civil rights of the disabled, but the process of passing substantial legislation is convoluted and largely amoral. Left me feeling "meh".

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't exactly find this gripping, but it was interesting history to delve into and get behind the scenes. Davis sometimes overstated the impact of the ADA in my opinion at the beginning of the book, but lent a lot more balance to the story later on, in terms of how the ADA was successful or fell short.

[Matt Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Many sections of this book read like an episode of The West Wing. It is a pleasant read and a solid introduction to the ADA. The extensive notes allow for further research.

[Ellie Stitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book goes very, very in depth into the process of passing the ADA. most other things I’ve read on this topic have just been like “the crawl on the Capitol happened and then it was passed!” so it was cool to get to read about the nitty gritty stuff behind everything. would recommend

[Kelley Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful book packed with details of the history, debate, and deal-making. Reflections on how this law has changed our country and the lives of so many, and also what things were hoped to come about that somehow didn't materialize. Good book.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned so much from this. Disappointed that Yoshiko didn't have a more substantial part and Michael Winter was only mentioned during the Capitol Crawl and Atsuko wasn't mentioned at all.

[Nadine Finstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Har bare lest 70%, har ingen planer om å lese resten 😃 spennende bok hvor man ser hvordan he said she said he did funker langt før og etter policyer når innsiden av Det Hvite Hus!

[Joel S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Katie Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half, but then ran out of steam during all the politicking. I still think it’s a really important subject though.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was slow in starting this book, in part because of feeling generally depressed about how the ADA has failed in enforcement, particularly when it comes to employment protections. This is especially rich since the Republican justification for it was always “then more disabled people will be employed and won't need benefits.” After it passed the early court decisions totally shrunk the scope of what is or isn't a disability, to the extent that when two pilots were denied employment at United Airlines because they were nearsighted if they weren't wearing glasses/contacts, the court said they didn't have protection under the ADA because their impairments were corrected via glasses. Only they were still denied based on an impairment... This ruling affects wheelchair users as well, and anyone whose impairment is corrected with a device or medication. I know many people who were denied employment because they needed the accommodation of sitting down behind a checkout counter. That tiny thing, which causes no financial impact to a business, is still keeping disabled people from working and keeping us in poverty.

Once I did start the book, it was a good, compelling read, though don't believe the cover blurb about it being “a spellbinding political thriller.” Davis writes well, and with some insight into disability pre-ADA (his parents are both Deaf), but he is not disabled and he does fall into ableist language at times (though being disabled doesn't necessarily prevent that, of course). The organization of the book is good though, and he describes the people involved well. The ADA was unusual in it's formation, as there was a strict agreement that meetings would go on behind closed doors (mostly without any disabled people there, by the by) and no one would talk to the press. That way there would be less press and public pressure and response to specifics of the legislation, meaning more politicians were willing to back it.

It wasn't quite a five-star read for me (and I can't help but wish it had been authored by a disabled person). I recommend this book to everyone, really, in part to increase understanding of being disabled in the US (and keeping in mind this is one of the easier places in the world to be disabled). It's also an important reminder of just how different things are now, post-ADA. Curb cutouts, elevators in metro stations, accessible buses, these are relatively new and now (mostly) ubiquitous things. There are still many architectural barriers to accessibility, but it is so much better now, and it's easy to take those seemingly simple changes for granted.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Lennard J. Davis has not produced a cutting-edge, controversial, or time-critical work of scholarship in disability studies in his new book Enabling Acts. His magnus opus has been published with some fanfare in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and consequently all critical discourse is set aside. The scope of the work is the history of this revolutionary legislation and its significance to a truly wide range of traditionally underserved and underrepresented Americans. As the author himself acknowledges, his politics as well as relevant perspectives beyond his expertise (e.g. legal technical knowledge, experience in lobbying) are not brought to bear as he designates himself as journalist-historian for purposes of his examination of this topic.

Given the limited aim of the book -- to detail the history of a legislative act -- the book can be very dry at times. However, I would recommend it widely to all readers who are students of the still-unfolding struggle for civil rights and social justice in any and all forms. Disabled people's struggles are some of the least well-known and appreciated in our society, IMHO. Knowledge of the struggle for justice to date for this group will serve to edify readers about this population and remind us all of the importance of continued attention to their needs. The history is clear, complete, and taken as a whole, an ultimately compelling story.

[Winifred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating topic, and a well done. Interesting emphasis on the politics of how passing the ADA was accomplished related (and in some cases didn't relate) to the work of advocates. Nice acknowledgement of some of the unsung (and in some cases actually unknown) heroes who contributed on the political side, and some of the accidents of history and larger forces that led to and shaped the involvement of particular people.

Engaging quotes and accounts from the people involved are included throughout the book, and the author embellishes what could be a dry topic with colorful scenes involving politicians pounding their fists on the table and advocates confronting politicians. Nice but succinct look at what motivated some of the major players, and how they related to one another and the events they were swept up in. For example this book looks at questions like, how did some of the people who worked day and night to get this bill passed actually feel at the signing ceremony? Did the famous capitol crawl actually have any bearing on whether or not the ADA was passed? Who were the real people that contributed to this huge change that had a ripple effect the world over?

A good overview for people less familiar with this topic and who may take the ADA for granted as a forgone conclusion, and a nice complement for people who are interested in and knowledgeable about the disability rights movement from an advocacy perspective.

[Linda Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollercoaster ride detailing the work prior to the the passage of the ADA twenty-five years ago. The twists and turns, negotiations and compromises in the political arena were from personal accounts.
The book continues to describe the court cases which failed to understand the intent of the law and the pitfalls of the original legislation. The corrective language of the ADDA.

Thanks to the Audible I was able to read this book.

[Scott Golden · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.]
Despite the tabloidistic [sic] subtitle (the story hasn't so much been "hidden" as it has just not been headline news) this is a relatively straightforward review of the people and events surrounding the landmark ADA legislation. Not a powerhouse of excitement, but well done all the same.