This report examines the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the 5 years since its passage in 1990. An introductory chapter considers the overall importance of the Act; the continuing interest of the National Council on Disability (NCD) in the ADA; and the visits of NCD representatives to each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands to conduct town meetings of consumers and those involved in ADA implementation. Major findings are reported in terms of the ADA's effect on: (1) greater access to the physical environment; (2) increased access to employment opportunities; (3) easier communication and mobility; (4) modest implementation costs (despite exaggerated predictions); (5) strengthening of the roles and self-images of Americans with disabilities; and (6) creation of positive changes in American culture. The overall finding is that the law has begun to move the country toward becoming a society in which all Americans, including those with disabilities, can fully participate. Most of the document consists of summaries of town meetings, which are reported by state. Each summary attempts to answer the fundamental question of what the ADA has meant to the people of that state. Four appendices include: a description of the ADA, a description of the NCD, a listing of locations and dates for the town meetings, and a list of speakers at the town meetings. (DB)