President BidenJoe BidenHouse Republican calls second bout of COVID-19 'far more challenging' Conflicting school mask guidance sparks confusion Biden: Pathway to citizenship in reconciliation package 'remains to be seen' MORE on Monday celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a sweeping civil rights law, and announced a new program to help Americans experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms and conditions.

“For our nation, the ADA is more than a law as well, it’s a testament to our character as a people, our character as Americans,” Biden said in the Rose Garden.

“31 years ago after its passage, many Americans have never lived in a world without the ADA,” Biden said.

“Today, too many Americans still face barriers,” Biden said, noting that on his first day in office he signed an executive order to establish a government-wide commitment to advancing equity, including for those with disabilities.

He announced on Monday a new effort for Americans with long-term COVID-19 impacts, so symptoms of “long COVID-19” could qualify as a disability under the ADA.

The guidance does not automatically qualify long COVID-19 as a disability but people experiencing long-term symptoms or conditions can get an “individualized assessment” to determine the condition “substantially limits a major life activity.”.

The Department of Health and Human Services also released a guide on Monday about services provided by community-based organizations to help individuals experiencing long-term symptoms after contracting COVID-19.

Second gentleman Doug EmhoffDoug EmhoffJD Vance takes aim at culture wars, childless politicians The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Goldman Sachs - Bezos completes first all-civilian space trip, deboards in cowboy hat Tom Brady to Biden: '40 percent of the people still don't think we won' MORE was also in attendance, as well as Sen.