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ADA Celebrates 20th Anniversary
July 12, 2010
In addition to the proclamation issued by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, several Michigan organizations will commemorate the anniversary of the ADA. Michigan Department of Civil Rights Director Daniel H. Krichbaum stated, "This anniversary commemorates the hard work and sacrifice that advocates made to achieve the ADA, and the continuing struggle for equality and respect. As the entity charged with enforcing Michigan's protections about discrimination, we are proud to be a part of the celebration."
Director Janet Olszewski of the Michigan Department of Community Health added, "The ADA dramatically changed the way persons with disabilities live their lives, giving them greater access to things such as voting, recreation, public transportation and health care. We are proud to celebrate this historic Act and to work with the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council to continue to strengthen rights."
On July 13, the Developmental Disabilities Council will mark the anniversary as its meeting will have the theme, Celebrating 20 years of the ADA. The Council will host a panel discussion on the impact of ADA on the disability community as well as professional storytelling with the "Father of the ADA", Justin Dart, and a giant street puppet created in Dart's likeness by the Matrix Theater Company.
In Flint, a celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 23 at Kearsley Park. This free event is sponsored by the Disability Network and Genesee County Community Mental Health. It will include music, balloons and games, Community Access Awards, a soccer match and accessible bicycle rides, as well as food and beverages. To RSVP (and get a free food ticket), contact (810) 742-1800 or (810) 257-3705.
In Lansing, events will take place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 26 on the Capitol lawn. They are free and include live music, entertainment and exhibits, as well as adaptive sports equipment demos. This event is hosted by the Capital Area Center for Independent Living (CACIL) and the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns, with supporting community partners including the Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Network Michigan, Michigan Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Commission for the Blind among many others.