In July 2020, states and organizations across the country commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While there is still much work to be done to achieve equal access for persons with disabilities, the State of Michigan has chosen to honor this important milestone by highlighting the accessible programs, services and activities our state has to offer. Throughout the ADA anniversary year, the state will host a series of virtual events designed to engage persons with disabilities, the organizations that serve them and the people who are part of their lives. Our mission is to connect with the disability community and re-establish our commitment to ensuring accessibility in 2020 and beyond.
Show your support for ADA 30 virtual events and the Michigan disability community by sharing your stories on social media and using the hashtags #ADA30 and #MiADA30.
Accessibility Information: All ADA 30 events hosted by the State of Michigan will include ASL interpreters and closed captioning services. Individuals who need additional accommodations for a specific event may contact the accommodation coordinator for the chosen event to make a request. Contact information for accommodation coordinators will be provided for each event at least 7 days prior to the scheduled date on our ADA 30 Virtual Events page.
July 26, 2020: A Day to Honor the 30th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
WHEREAS, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and expanded opportunities for them by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; and,
WHEREAS, according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, about 27 percent of people in Michigan have disabilities, and these rates increase by age, with 41 percent of Michigan adults who are 75 years or older having a disability of some kind; and,
WHEREAS, it is important to ensure that people with disabilities are given equal access to employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications in our state; and,
WHEREAS, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continuing our efforts to fully implement the ADA; and,
WHEREAS, on this anniversary of the signing of the ADA, let us recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting ourselves to reach full ADA compliance;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2020, as a Day to Honor the 30th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Michigan and encourage everyone to fulfill each of our inclusion commitments as we work to make our state a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
