(Oneida, NY – July 2014) Several not-for-profit agencies are working together to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On Friday, July 25, agencies gathered at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida to memorialize the ADA’s being signed into law by President George H.W. Bush July 26, 1990.
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
“The ADA has increased awareness and had an impact on our lives in many ways,” said organizer Jennifer Lea, Independent Living Advocate for ARISE. “Wherever you go today, you can see evidence of the ADA. When you look at entrances of local businesses, you’ll see ramps, automatic door openers, drinking fountains that are lower, and the list just keeps growing.”
“When accessibility issues are addressed by our community, what we are saying is ‘everyone is welcome here,’” says Christine Sears, Director of Development & PR for Madison Cortland ARC. “The Arc is so proud to be a part of this event.”
The celebration included comments from local, state and federal dignitaries, a march around the city of Oneida and airing of a video on the history of the ADA paying tribute to Justin Dart, one of the ‘fathers’ of the ADA. According to Lea, Dart was an American activist who advocated for disability rights. After contracting polio, Dart began using a wheelchair. Because of his disability, his college refused to issue him his teaching certificate, even after he earned his degree. This started his long journey as an advocate for people with disabilities.
ARISE, Madison Cortland Arc, Liberty Resources, Community Action Program, Heritage Farm, Office for the Aging in Madison County, and Bridges Council on Alcoholism all worked together on the event.