Americans with Disabilities Act turns 20

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland skyline was the backdrop for the 20th anniversary of The Americans With Disabilities Act.

The ADA, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, extends full civil rights protections to persons with disabilities. It ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations at businesses and commercial facilities, public transit and telecommunications.

Hundreds of people turned out for the celebration in Cleveland. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson issued an ADA proclamation.

Christine Wimberly has been disabled since birth, said she is grateful for the ADA. Wimberly said because of the legislation,"I got a job. I work at AAA. I have been working there for 17 years, I got training, and the job otherwise I wouldn't be working."

Twenty-one balloons were released at the celebration. One for each year the ADA has been around and one for the future. Although experts say ADA has helped millions of disabled Americans, they say more work needs to be done.