This year is the thirty-first anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disability Network Southwest Michigan holds an annual event each July to celebrate the landmark legislation which granted rights and provided independence to so many people. This year, Disability Network’s celebration will be a virtual, online celebration. Participation will be available through an internet video connection or by phone.
Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM
We will be drawing four names to receive $25 Amazon Gift Certificates – must be present to win!
Register below to join us online for our ADA Anniversary Celebration!
Keynote Speaker: Dessa Cosma
Dessa is the Executive Director of Detroit Disability Power which she founded in 2018 to grow the organizing power of the disability community and to continue bridging the gap between the disability community and larger social justice movements. She has particular interest in disability focused political work that is grounded in anti-racism and economic justice. Follow this link to learn more about Dessa and Detroit Disability Power.
The program:
The event will be live at 11:45 AM. Please join us then to settle in, the program will begin at Noon and run through 1:30 PM. The program will include:
- A welcome from Joel Cooper, our President and CEO
- Keynote Address from Dessa Cosma
- Disability Network Southwest Michigan 40th anniversary tribute
- Awards Presentations:
- Community Inclusion Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Jim Neubacher Lifetime Achievement Award
- Bob Davis Independent Living Award
- RAMP-A-THON kick off!
- Closing words from Bill Chapman, board of directors Chairperson
ASL interpretation and CART will be available during the duration of the program.
Register:
Registration is now closed.
If you have any questions or prefer to register by email or phone, contact Kristen at ada@dnswm.org or call her at 269-345-1516 x119.
Our ADA celebration is an annual tradition
This year is the thirty-first anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA anniversary celebration has become an annual tradition at Disability Network as we gather with our customers, community partners, neighbors and elected officials to celebrate the passage of this important civil rights legislation. The ADA protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against and provides for equal access to public space.
The signing of the ADA has had a powerful impact on people with disabilities and was an important victory in the Disability Rights Movement. “We are thrilled to host a community celebration of this monumental civil rights law. The ADA has revolutionized the way we think about creating communities. It opened unprecedented doors of opportunity, inclusion and access for everyone,” said Joel W. Cooper, our President and CEO .
RAMP-A-THON kicks off at our ADA celebration
Each year we kickoff our RAMP-A-THON campaign at our ADA anniversary celebration. RAMP-A-THON raises awareness of the need for ramps on homes in our communities and raises money to construct or purchase ramps for people with mobility disabilities in our service area. A ramp makes it possible to do something as basic as getting to the mailbox, as important as getting to doctor appointments, and as critical as being able to vacate in the event of an emergency. Ramps allow everyone equal opportunity to be a vibrant part of their community.