June 3, 2015

by: Renee Canfield

ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, state and local government services and programs, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that individuals with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

This year marks 25 years of ADA and all of Cleveland is celebrating! Nonprofit organizations from throughout the area have joined together to celebrate through a variety of events leading up to a large celebration at Wade Oval Circle on July 22^nd!

June 13: Parade the Circle

ADA Cleveland will participate in University Circle’s annual Parade the Circle event on Saturday, June 13 in Wade Oval. After the parade, visit some of our planning organizations at Circle Village: make your own paper plate Frisbee with Youth Challenge, learn a little American Sign Language with Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, and test some adaptations for low vision with Cleveland Sight Center.  Be on the look out for UCP of Greater Cleveland in the parade–our theme will be transportation!

Saturday, June 13, Rain or shine

Wade Oval

Parade starts at 12:00 noon

Circle Village is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

June 22:  Help Me Grow day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County is hosting its 3rd Annual day at the Zoo to provide public awareness and outreach. The focus is to increase early childhood awareness in the community. There will be exhibitors, including ADA Cleveland, with information about early intervention, home visiting, and various other resources. The event is from 10:00 am to 3:0 pm.

July 9: “The Best of Accessible Cleveland” Celebration Luncheon 

This luncheon at the Intercontinental Hotel will celebrate the achievements of the ADA in Cleveland. A panel of local and nationally recognized disability advocates will be present.

July 22: The Big Day!

Join UCP of Greater Cleveland and all of the other planning committee organizations for our day-long celebration and culminating event for the 25^th anniversary of the ADA!

Wednesday, July 22, Rain or shine

Wade Oval

ADA Anniversary Celebration: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays: 6:00 to 9:00 pm

The day will officially kick off at 11:00 am with remarks from the Mayor and continue with music, food, adaptive games and activities, as well as awards, until 4:00 pm. The celebration also features the ADA Legacy Tour Bus.

At 6:00 pm, Wade Oval Wednesday will begin, featuring the band FLAME. University Circle Inc. has invited ADA Cleveland to join in the fun at WOW! Participating agencies and organizations from the afternoon session will keep their booths and tables open throughout Wade Oval Wednesday to allow for continued community engagement and celebration of the ADA. The event will officially conclude at 9:00 pm.

For more information on the ADA legislation and history, ADA25 Cleveland and the events leading up to the July 22^nd celebration, please visit: www.ADAcleveland.org

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