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Nothing About Us, Without Us

History and Impact of the ADA

Whitney Hill, founder and director of SPORK!, leads a discussion on the history and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This conversation will explore how the ADA has shaped accessibility standards and continues to serve as a foundation for inclusive, intersectional design.

In today’s political climate, where disability rights and accessibility are at the forefront of policy discussions, understanding the ADA’s legacy and ongoing influence is more important than ever. This conversation isn’t just for the disabled community—it’s for everyone. Accessibility benefits society as a whole. It fosters more inclusive, innovative, and equitable spaces. Whether in design, business, or everyday life, prioritizing accessibility strengthens communities and enhances experiences for all.

Whitney Hill is a specialist on accessibility with more than a decade of experience in program management and communication. Throughout her career, Whitney has been dedicated to making public and institutional spaces truly accessible for all. In her role at LCM Architects and her previous position at the Institute for Human Centered Design, she has collaborated with government agencies and private entities to uphold and exceed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring equal opportunity in accessibility.

Beyond her professional work, Whitney is deeply committed to advocacy in Illinois. She serves as an elected member of Governor Pritzker’s Blind Services Planning Council, a board member at 3Arts, and a fellow (2020) and active member of Disability Lead. She is an appointed member of Equip for Equality’s Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council and the Cultural Access Collab Steering Committee.

SPORK! is a nonprofit organization directed and managed by people with disabilities. It exists for people who have cognitive (mental), physical, and nonapparent (invisible) disabilities, with the goal of helping to give a unique, united, and authentic voice to the disabled community.

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