AUSTIN, Texas -- July 26 is often regarded as America’s second Independence Day for the estimated 56 million Americans with disabilities.

Many organizations around Texas observed the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with local celebrations to raise awareness of the rights of Texans with disabilities and the many contributions they make to Texas.

Former president George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, calling it a long overdue ‘independence day’ for Americans with disabilities.

The ADA was the first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, and other areas.