National Barrier Awareness Day, observed on May 7th, aims to enhance public awareness regarding the physical, cultural, and financial challenges confronted by individuals with disabilities in the United States. As of 2021, there are over 61 million adults living with disabilities in the U.S., constituting approximately 1 in every 4 Americans.

The purpose of this day is to draw attention to the difficulties faced by disabled Americans, fostering collective efforts to eliminate these barriers. Enacted in the mid-1980s, National Barrier Awareness Day has since become a significant observance, urging all Americans to reflect on and address the challenges experienced by individuals with disabilities.