Accessibility: Reality and Law After 36 Years of the ADA
Policy Committee October 8, 2026
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9 – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted 36 years ago with a goal of protecting those living with disabilities from discrimination and implementing laws to create a more accessible public landscape. But as the world has evolved, the ADA is struggling to evolve with it. The House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing Thursday, hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-Phila.), to examine what can be done to expand the law to reflect what real accessibility looks like. Thursday’s hearing was held as part of Hohenstein’s annual Disability Summit, a two-day event featuring workshops and panels focused on assisting people living with disabilities and their caregivers. Testimony at the hearing focused on the history of the ADA and what needs to happen to ensure accessibility in both the real world and digital world. 
- Host: Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-Phila.)
- Testifiers:
- Theo Braddy- Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living
- Emily Voorde- Former Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement
- Shane Feldman- Chief Executive Officer, Innivee Strategies
- Candice Davis- Disability Advocate and Leader
- Jeremy Yale- Director of Policy and Quality Management, Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs
Agenda + Testimony
Media Release
Photos + Video