It has been 25 years since President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law.

Disability Action Center Northwest will host an ADA anniversary celebration July 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Riverstone Park in Coeur d'Alene.

Angela MacDonald, an independent living specialist and transition manager with DAC-NW, said the ADA is an important part of the civil rights movement in the U.S.

"It's not about special privileges for people with disabilities. It's about equality for everyone," MacDonald said.

Bush signed the ADA on July 26, 1990, in front of 3,000 people on the White House lawn.

"Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'independence day,' one that is long overdue," Bush told the crowd. "With today's signing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom."

MacDonald said the law is designed to remove "perceived barriers" a person may encounter in the workforce, in a public building and in the private sector.

The ADA has been far-reaching because of the nature of disabilities, MacDonald said.

"Disability is non-discriminatory. It affects every person on the planet in some way at some time," she said.

Evidence of the ADA can be found in ramps outside buildings, public restrooms and one-touch doors.

"It was designed to make sure that every person has equal access to the same opportunities," MacDonald said.

The July 24 celebration event in Coeur d'Alene will provide a venue for vendors, nonprofits and public agencies to offer resources and information for people with disabilities.

Speakers will include Mayor Steve Widmyer and Parks Superintendent Bill Greenwood.

There will be free entertainment and food will be available.