THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - 20

A GUIDE TO UNIVERSAL DESIGN

At the start of the 20th century, older adults and people with disabilities were true minorities. The average human lifespan was only 47 years, and people with spinal cord injuries had only a 10% chance of survival.

People are living longer today and more people are now living with disability. The average lifespan has increased to 76, largely due to healthier living, better medicine, vaccines and sanitation. Nearly 80% of the population now lives past the age of 65.