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Archived newspaper article that reads: CONGRESS A Crawl-In At the Capitol There had never been such a sight at the entrance to the U.S. Capitol. Dozens of disabled people abandoned their wheelchairs and crawled up the steep stone steps on knees, elbows and backs. The climb was not really necessary. The Capitol is equipped with ramps and elevators for wheelchairs. But the point was to rally support for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which would require public buildings and transportation systems to accommodate the disabled. One major obstacle to passage of the bill is the fear of small-business groups that it might be amended to allow disabled people to bring damage suits if they are discriminated against. To prevent an avalanche of court cases, the Justice Department has urged Congress to specify the circumstances under which the disabled could sue for damages. A compromise is expected. PHOTO (by Terry Ashe): Very dark image of several people climbing the steps. One is holding a sign which reads in part "Americans with Disabilities Act." Behind the climbers is part of the capitol building with columns. Caption reads: Making a point, the disabled surmount the Capitol steps.

Watch: ADAPT Footage from 1990’s Capitol Crawl (Audio Description)

July 23, 2026| Home Page, items of interest, Legislation, Videos|

On March 12, 1990, disability rights activists took part in a landmark protest in support of the Americans... Read More → Watch: ADAPT Footage from 1990’s Capitol Crawl (Audio Description)

Register now for special virtual celebration honoring the ADA and VDA

July 23, 2026| Events, items of interest|

You are warmly invited to join us for a special virtual celebration honoring the anniversaries of the... Read More → Register now for special virtual celebration honoring the ADA and VDA

A hand holds a bullhorn on the left of the image. The bottom right has the words Announcements and News

ECI Executive Director Interviewed for Chesapeake Thrive

July 13, 2026| Home Page, items of interest, News, Staff, Videos|

Nichole Davis, Executive Director of the Endependence Center, recently appeared on an episode of Chesapeake... Read More → ECI Executive Director Interviewed for Chesapeake Thrive

Figurine of a house hanging in front of teal and wooden wall. The words HOUSING AVAILABILITY appear in the bottom left. The ECI logo is above the text.

July 6 and 7: NRHA to Open Housing Choice Voucher Program Waitlist

June 30, 2026| Housing|

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) will open its Housing Choice Voucher waitlist for a... Read More → July 6 and 7: NRHA to Open Housing Choice Voucher Program Waitlist

Background of conference room meeting table with chairs and papers. The word advocacy appears in the bottom left corner

DOJ Publishes Legal Opinion on Landmark Olmstead v. LC Supreme Court Ruling

June 25, 2026| Home Page, items of interest, Legislation, News|

A 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case (Olmstead v. L.C.) ruled that isolating people with disabilities by... Read More → DOJ Publishes Legal Opinion on Landmark Olmstead v. LC Supreme Court Ruling

A hand holds a smartphone displaying a rental application discrimination survey webpage. To the right, large text reads “Rental Application Survey.” Supporting text says: “Do you have a disability? Are you currently looking for housing or have you applied for housing in the last year? We want to hear more about your experience.” The website URL shown is https://endependence.org.

Rental Discrimination: Share Your Experiences

June 22, 2026| Housing|

According to the National Fair Housing Alliance, 54% of fair housing complaints filed in 2024 were on the... Read More → Rental Discrimination: Share Your Experiences

July 2026 Newsletter

June 22, 2026| Newsletters|

The July 2026 Newsletter can be viewed or downloaded below in either Microsoft Word or .pdf format.... Read More → July 2026 Newsletter

July 26: The Americans with Disabilities Act Turns 36

June 22, 2026| items of interest, News|

President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law on July 26, 1990.... Read More → July 26: The Americans with Disabilities Act Turns 36

Light teal background; in the foreground is a wooden gavel. The words "LEGISLATIVE UPDATES" and the ECI logo appear in the top right corner.

HB37 Signed by Governor Spanberger

June 11, 2026| Legislation, News, VA Medicaid Waivers|

Governor Spanberger signed HB37 (“Developmental disability waivers; financial eligibility standards,... Read More → HB37 Signed by Governor Spanberger

Figurine of a house hanging in front of teal and wooden wall. The words HOUSING AVAILABILITY appear in the bottom left. The ECI logo is above the text.

SRHA Project Based Voucher Waiting List to Open June 15

June 8, 2026| Housing|

The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (SRHA) will open its Project Base Voucher (PBV) application.... Read More → SRHA Project Based Voucher Waiting List to Open June 15

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