By Dara Baldwin, Co-Chair, NCIL ADA / Civil Rights Subcommittee
It’s here! This year, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA / Civil Rights Subcommittee will be celebrating all year by featuring guest speakers at our monthly meetings, publishing articles by Subcommittee members about celebrations in their states, providing information about celebrations throughout the nation, and keeping vigilant about protecting the power of the ADA in the lives of people with disabilities.
This year is a time to remember the struggles and the historic story of how the ADA was envisioned, created, and became law. We must remember not only the making of the law, but also the story of how the law was implemented, for both are stories of struggle and courage. This is also a time to pay respect and homage to the soldiers in the struggle who have passed away. Their legacy remains an intricate part of the story of this historic legislation.
The NCIL’s ADA / Civil Rights Subcommittee hopes that NCIL members plan to be a part of this celebration where you live. Please send stories, pictures, and other information about how you and your community are commemorating the anniversary. We know that many communities are holding events all year long, and we want to share your celebrations with the NCIL membership.
Send us your social media campaign information. Share your Twitter Hashtags, Instagram pictures, Facebook posts, blogs and other celebration outreach plans. Don’t forget to follow NCIL on Twitter (@NCILAdvocacy) and like us on Facebook.
This is a time to celebrate you as well! Let us know how the ADA has made a change in your life! If you lived prior to ADA passage and have a “before and after” story; or if you were born after the ADA was passed, and have a story about how the ADA has made a difference in your life, we would love to hear and share it!
If your state leaders are commemorating this anniversary, let us know. We want to thank all the leaders across the nation who recognize this historic time for people with disabilities. Please email your stories to Dara Baldwin at [email protected].
The 2015 NCIL Conference will be the place to be this July to celebrate the 25th Anniversary. Members of the ADA / Civil Rights Subcommittee will be “in the house” and ready to celebrate with NCIL members. It will be a wonderful conference with multiple sessions that discuss what we’ve accomplished and the work that still needs to be done. We hope that you will join the NCIL membership and the Subcommittee in this historic 25th Anniversary celebration!
“LEAD ON” – Justin Dart
