Goodwill® Celebrates 25 Years of Progress for Americans with Disabilities

The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was an important milestone for Goodwill’s ongoing dedication to employment for all.
Rockville, MD – Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, public accommodation and more. Goodwill is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this truly groundbreaking civil rights legislation that promotes equality for all American citizens.
Since its inception more than 113 years ago, Goodwill Industries International has been devoted to providing employment opportunities to job seekers with disabilities and specialized circumstances. Today, through the tireless efforts of its 165 local agencies, millions of people access Goodwill services each year. Last year alone, 426,000 men and women with disabilities in the United States and Canada used Goodwill’s intensive one-on-one career services to prepare for employment.
“We at Goodwill Industries International are committed to supporting the spirit of the ADA, and we are dedicated to empowering Americans with disabilities in their employment endeavors with training, mentoring and placement services as well as job opportunities in our facilities,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “We look past disabilities to see each person’s abilities, and we wholeheartedly support their contribution to the workplace.”
Despite the advances spurred by the ADA, finding meaningful employment continues to be challenging for people with disabilities. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released in June, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.5 percent in 2014, more than double the figure for those with no disabilities (5.9 percent).
“Donations to Goodwill support the broad range of services we provide to assist men and women with disabilities in their vocational pursuits. The simple act of clearing clutter and donating items helps create jobs in our communities,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Please join the more than 90 million donors who contribute to Goodwill agencies across the country, making lives better for millions of individuals and families.”