People of All Abilities Will March to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the ADA
SYRACUSE, NY: On Monday, July 26th, hundreds will march together to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the historic American with Disabilities Act. The march will begin at 10 a.m. at the ARISE building at 635 James Street and will end at the Oncenter. Congressman Dan Maffei and other local, state, and federal officials will be at the Oncenter to proclaim the month of July as Disability Awareness Month.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of legislation that guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, government services, and telecommunications. It is the product of decades of work that has changed public perception of disability, and an acknowledgement that for individuals with disabilities equal rights require equal access. This July marks the 20th Anniversary of the ADA being signed into law, changing the lives of millions of people.
There are currently over 54 million Americans who have a disability of some sort, eleven million of whom need personal assistance with everyday activities. Twenty years ago, many of these individuals would have been segregated from society and living in institutionalized housing. Today, these individuals live, work and take an active role in their communities, including here in Central New York. A person’s disability does not diminish his or her right to live independently, make choices, pursue careers, or make significant contributions to society.
Centers for Independent Living, like ARISE, are at the forefront of helping individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams. ARISE’s programs and services are guided by individuals with disabilities; the people who know best what supports are needed to live independently. Since its founding in 1979, ARISE has grown and responded to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the ADA, there is still much work to do. Individuals with disabilities are employed at a much lower rate than individuals without a disability. ARISE’s employment programs work with government and businesses to help individuals with disabilities find and retain meaningful employment. Many new homes are constructed each year using government funds, yet the houses are not designed to be accessible. Each and every day, ARISE works to help individuals achieve the greatest degree of independence and access, and also works to break down barriers to that independence.
For more information on the march or the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact Nancy Kronen, ARISE’s Director of Development & Public Relations, at 315 671-2903.
WHAT: 20TH ANNIVERSARY MARCH TO CELEBRATE THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
WHEN : Monday, July 26th at 10 a.m.
WHERE : ARISE Building at 635 James Street and proceeding to Oncenter