Syracuse Sun

Burton Blatt Institute Chairman and University Professor Peter Blanck has released the second edition of “Disability Law and Policy” in honor of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The book provides an overview of disability law themes and insights, offering a collection of stories about how the legal system has responded to the needs of impacted individuals.

The year 2025 will mark the 35th anniversary of the ADA, celebrated on July 26. Over the past three decades, disability law and policy have seen significant changes both in the United States and internationally. "Walls of inaccessibility, exclusion, segregation, and discrimination have been torn down, often brick by brick," said Blanck. "But the work continues, many times led by advocates who have never known a world without the ADA and are now building on the efforts of those who came before them."

Lex Frieden, an internationally distinguished disability rights scholar and advocate, as well as former Chairperson of the U.S. National Council on Disability, contributed to Blanck’s book with a Foreword. He recounted his personal experience: “In 1967, I survived a head-on car crash. When I woke up, I was paralyzed from the shoulders down... My story is one of many in the modern disability rights movement.” He praised Blanck's work: "Peter is a world-renowned teacher, researcher, lawyer, and advocate. He has been central to the modern sea change in disability civil rights... ‘Disability Law and Policy’ should be read by all of us—people with lived experiences of disability and their advocates, parents, family members and friends.”

Blanck highlighted that “a new generation of people with disabilities is stepping forward,” building on previous efforts by individuals like Lex Frieden along with families, friends, advocates, and supporters. He expressed hope for a future where all people are welcomed as full and equal members of society regardless of individual differences.

“Disability Law and Policy” is published by Foundation Press and available from West Academic.