Two Major Pieces of Brain Injury Legislation Have Anniversaries in July

July marks the anniversary of two landmark pieces of legislation for the brain injury community: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act.

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA is a cornerstone of civil rights legislation that has transformed American life for millions of people with disabilities, including those living with the lifelong effects of brain injury. The ADA ensures that survivors have access to employment, public services, transportation, and accommodations—laying the foundation for full participation in society and the pursuit of independent, fulfilling lives.

Similarly, the TBI Act—first passed in 1996 and reauthorized multiple times since—serves as the only federal legislation specifically focused on traumatic brain injury. The TBI Act has driven critical investments in research, surveillance, prevention, and service coordination through agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administration for Community Living. These programs have deepened our understanding of brain injury, enhanced clinical care, and strengthened community supports across the country.

Together, the ADA and TBI Act have empowered countless survivors, caregivers, and professionals. They have improved access to care, advanced disability rights, and brought brain injury to the forefront of public policy.

Still, the work is far from over. As the nation’s leading brain injury advocacy organization, we will continue to fight for the brain injury community.

Last month, the Brain Injury Association of America brought together a small group of advocates on Capitol Hill to continue our push to save federal brain injury programs and reauthorize the TBI Act. While we had many successful meetings with legislators, the unfortunate reality is that brain injury remains a leading cause of disability, and access to comprehensive care and long-term supports continues to vary by state and system.

As the Voice for Brain Injury, we will continue to call on Congress to uphold the spirit of the ADA and reauthorize the TBI Act—to ensure that no brain injury survivor is left behind, and that the rights, dignity, and potential of every individual are protected. Let these anniversaries not only be a celebration of progress, but a renewed call to action.

Over the next few months, there will be other opportunities to advocate for brain injury during the federal budget negation. Please stay tuned for future action alerts and ways that you can get involved in our advocacy efforts.