Lots of information about why, who, and how the ADA was conceived, re-worked, opposed and supported and a fair amount about what it is and isn't and has become - up to 2015 of course.
I feel dirty just reading about the politics of this. It's a very messy kitchen and no cooks are spotless. ( )

Davis tells the untold civil rights story of the 20th century. Those who study social movements will be especially interested in how the Disability Rights movement accomplished many of its goals in ways atypical of other 20th century civil rights movements. Those interested in disability rights may find lessons here as the movement fights its next battles.

This is a good book for people who are interested in the specifics of how laws are made - the massive number of people involved, the clandestine meetings, the political maneuverings. If you're not interested in that, it's a pretty boring book. ( )

I was hoping to learn about the politics behind the ADA and this book did not disappoint. The book was easy to read and kept my attention. This was a bipartisan effort with a productive outcome. I learned a lot about the different players in the formation of the ADA. It was hard to put this book down. If you like political thrillers, then you'll love this work. My book is a review copy. ( )

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.