Phoenix-area Paralympian wins gold in Paris, advocates for disability access on ADA anniversary

Gilbert Paralympian triathlete Chris Hammer is using the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act to speak up for disability access. The law, signed in 1990, guarantees equal access to jobs, public services and public spaces for people with disabilities.

Hammer was born with one hand and said he was raised to believe he could do anything others could do. The Michigan native discovered the Paralympics late in his collegiate running career and went on to become a four-time Paralympian, despite having no previous swimming background.

Before the Paris 2024 Games, Hammer had finished fourth twice and said those setbacks helped prepare him for success. He won gold for the United States in Paris, saying he was still fighting and coming from behind until near the end of the race.

Hammer also points to accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, braille in elevators and closed captions as ways the ADA has expanded participation. New rules will also require state and local government websites and mobile apps to work with screen readers, captions and other assistive technology by 2027 or 2028.