To celebrate the progress that has been made for disability rights, leading disability advocacy organizations, state agencies, and others are collaborating to bring a powerful event for a celebration, education, performances, and presentations in honor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30th Anniversary and October’s 75th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The free, virtual event will be on Oct. 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (CST). Registration is at https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94024827882.
“We are delighted to bring this event to people across the state and across the country for that matter,“ said ADA Minnesota Program Manager Cindy Tarshish. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far disability rights have come and how far we have yet to go in areas of employment, and so much more. As is true for so many organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic upended our plans this past July for the ADA 30th Anniversary celebration. But we came up with a terrific alternative. The event offers a chance for a virtual gathering and celebration. We look forward to hearing from local and national advocates and experts, civic leaders, and enjoying performances by artist advocates. We are grateful for the support and effort from our planning committee to help put this event together.”
The event will feature keynote remarks from Minnesota Humanities Center CEO Kevin Lindsey. As the former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights under Gov. Mark Dayton, Lindsey was a steadfast advocate in many forums for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Barry Taylor, Vice President for Civil Rights and Systemic Litigation, and Rachel Weisberg, Staff Attorney, both from Equip for Equality, will present “30 Years of Employment Rights & The ADA: Where We’ve Been; Where We Are and Where We’re Going.” The program will also include a state proclamation, a message from former Iowa Senator and disability advocate Tom Harkin, and performances by disabled artist/dance/choreographer Alice Sheppard, featuring a piece from her work DESCENT, and rapper and actor Dupree Edwards. Metropolitan State University student Vincent Peterson will serve as event emcee.
ASL and CART services will be provided for this event. Portions will be audio described. To request additional accommodations, contact linda.gremillion@state.mn.us by Monday, Oct. 19, 2020.
Registration for this free event is at https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94024827882
More information at ADA30MN.com along with a list of the Committee Celebration Hosts.