The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a historic opportunity to advance the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As Los Angeles prepares to host its first-ever Paralympic Games, the city has made unprecedented commitments to ensure full accessibility for all visitors, athletes, and residents with disabilities.
What Is ADA 2028?
ADA 2028 refers to the intersection of two landmark moments: the ongoing legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28). The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. The 2028 Games offer a once-in-a-generation chance to demonstrate what full ADA compliance looks like at the world's largest sporting event.
Los Angeles Host City Accessibility Commitment
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an official Games Host City Accessibility Commitment, vowing to ensure the Olympic and Paralympic Games are inclusive for everyone. The city appointed its first-ever Accessibility Chief within the Office of Major Events and developed a comprehensive Games Accessibility Plan. These steps signal that ADA 2028 is not just a slogan but a measurable, enforceable commitment backed by city government.
Key Accessibility Initiatives
Los Angeles has launched several concrete initiatives under the ADA 2028 framework. The Department on Disability collaborated with the Braille Institute to install Braille translation for Olympic and Paralympic flag displays at City Hall — the first of their kind. Adaptive swimming programs through the PlayLA initiative have surpassed one million enrollments. The city is also investing in sidewalk repair, accessible transit options, and venue upgrades to meet and exceed ADA standards ahead of the Games.
The Paralympic Games Connection
The 2028 Paralympic Games, scheduled for August 15–27, 2028, will be the first Paralympic Games ever held in Los Angeles. Featuring 23 Paralympic sports and approximately 4,480 Para-athletes, the Games will showcase the extraordinary achievements of athletes with disabilities. International Paralympic Committee Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn stated that the LA28 Games will drive impact that extends far beyond the sport venues, advancing the goals of the ADA throughout everyday life in Los Angeles.