The 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: An Interview with Dr. Jane E. West.

This article focuses on Dr. Jane West's involvement in the passage and ongoing impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation signed into law over 30 years ago. The ADA expanded antidiscrimination protections for people with disabilities beyond federal funding to the private sector, introduced the concept of reasonable accommodations, and galvanized a bipartisan coalition of activists, policymakers, and government leaders. Key victories include the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision against unjustified institutionalization and widespread accessibility improvements in public and private spaces. While the ADA has fostered greater inclusion and awareness, challenges such as persistent ableism, economic disparities, and underrepresentation of disabled individuals in leadership remain. Dr. West emphasizes the importance of coalition-building, strategic advocacy, and evolving policy frameworks that shift focus from individual disability to societal structures to ensure full participation and equity for people with disabilities.