State of Michigan Agencies and Partners Announce a Year of Events to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

July 16, 2020 

Lansing, MI—On July 23, 2020, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and a number of state agencies and partners will kick off a year-long celebration of the 30^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a virtual commemoration of the landmark civil rights legislation.

“The passage of the ADA is one of the most significant milestones in civil rights history,” said Mary Engelman, Interim Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “Throughout this anniversary year, we are commemorating this important anniversary by highlighting the accessible programs, services and activities our state has to offer.”

The kickoff commemoration will take place on Zoom from 1 pm – 2 pm on July 23. Registration is required to attend via Zoom. The kickoff will also be streamed live on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights Facebook page, and on YouTube.

The July 23 event will feature a keynote address from Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist as well as a welcome message from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. A panel of State of Michigan disability advocates and experts will engage in a Q and A session with Kim Woolridge, Director of the State ADA Compliance Division.

Participants are encouraged to commemorate ADA30 and the Michigan disability community by sharing their stories on social media using the hashtags #ADA30 and #MiADA30.

Throughout the ADA anniversary year, the State of Michigan 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. The mission: to connect with the disability community and re-establish Michigan’s commitment to ensuring accessibility in 2020 and beyond.

Upcoming ADA30 virtual events will include:

• Four sessions with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBA) – two for employees and two for businesses – on accommodating employees during COVID-19.
• Two sessions with Anthony Ianni, the first known athlete with autism to play Big 10 basketball, on bullying and living your dream.

Detailed information on Michigan’s ADA30 events scheduled throughout the anniversary year will be shared online at Michigan.Gov/ADA30.

The following state agencies and organizations are partnering with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to produce the ADA30 year of events:

• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS-LEO)
• Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DODDBHH – MDCR)
• ADA Compliance Division (MDCR)
• Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP-LEO)
• Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council – MDHHS)
• Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Michigan Department of Management and Budget (DTMB)
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

All ADA30 events hosted by the State of Michigan will include ASL interpreters and closed captioning. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation or other assistance for effective participation should contact Alayna Zerlentes at 313-437-7035 or ZerlentesA@Michigan.gov at least 3 business days prior to the event.

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