THE ADA LEGACY PROJECT: MOMENTS IN DISABILITY HISTORY 20
Stories of Discrimination
“The path to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was paved by storytellers, not just one or a few, but thousands of storytellers from cities and towns across the nation.
The following is an example, one of over 5,000 stories that were submitted by citizens and organizations across the country demonstrating the range of discrimination issues faced by people with disabilities and the many barriers that limit their ability to actively participate in their communities:
On May 28, 1988, Lisa Carl, a young woman with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair, wanted to see a favorite film at an accessible theater in Tacoma, Washington. The theater manager refused to accept her $1.00 admission and the theater owner, who was called by an advocate on Lisa’s behalf, said, ‘I don’t want her in here and I don’t have to let her in.’”
To read more of these stories, please visit the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities website. The ADA Legacy Project “celebrates the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on disability rights, and honors the contributions of individuals with disabilities and their allies who persevered in securing the passage of this landmark civil rights legislation.
SAVE THE DATE: Join us on July 26 for Minnesota’s premiere ADA Celebration!
MSCOD has exciting plans for July 26th. We will be having a 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration and Family Day at the Minnesota History Center. Everyone is invited to the party, which will run from noon until 4:00pm. Admission is FREE!
The Family Day will include live entertainment, an open mic, arts activities, and much more. A portion of tpt’s upcoming documentary about the ADA will also be aired at the event as well. This celebration will be fun for the whole family, and we hope you join us! Stay tuned for more information.
Our yearlong festivities will culminate in an ADA Policy Conference at a location to be determined on October 28, 2015. The conference will focus on employment and will feature speakers, breakout sessions, a live telecast by tpt, a career fair presented in partnership with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network, and much more! More information will be released soon.
Be a part of the future of the ADA!
There is still time to share your point of view! MSCOD contracted with the Improve Group, an external research group from Saint Paul, to study what the employment landscape in Minnesota looks like now that ADA has been law for 25 years. We want to hear from people with disabilities who are employed or seeking employment, to learn how the ADA has impacted their job search and ability to work. We also want to hear from employers regarding how the ADA has impacted hiring practices.
The survey is completely anonymous and can be found here: [The survey is now closed. Thank you for your participation.]
Please share it with everyone!
ADA News
- At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, web accessibility was discussed on one of the main stages.
- The deadline for submissions to the Reel Abilities Film Festival is May 15, 2015. For more information, please visit the Reel Abilities website.
About the ADA 25th Anniversary Legacy Project
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 25 years old on July 26, 2015. The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) is planning a number of activities leading up to and marking this historic day.
The MSCOD ADA 25 year Anniversary Legacy Project seeks to preserve and raise awareness of Minnesota’s role in the development of the ADA as well as celebrate Minnesota’s disability cultures in tandem with the 25 year anniversary of the passage of the ADA.
Our partners in planning all 25th ADA events and activities:
More information about the Legacy Fund
MSCOD’s Legacy Funds are administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center.
The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program has been made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008. Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.