This year, the Americans with Disabilities Act will celebrate its 30th anniversary on July 26th. #ThanksToTheADA #ADA30

For those who are not aware, The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It provides comprehensive elements of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarentees them the same treatment and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA is modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1954. Disabilities are defined by the ADA as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity…”

Major titles of the ADA include Title I which prevents employers from utilizing discriminatory practices during hiring, recruitment, promotions, trainings, etc. against individuals with disabilities. Title II requires State and local governments to give individuals with disabilities equal access and use of all programs, services, and actitives (public education, employment, transportation, parks and recreation, etc). Title III requires businesses and nonprofits to provide accommodations and prohibits exclusion, segregation, and unequal treatment.

For more information on the ADA titles, click here.

In Prince William, a number of celebrations will be hosted online to celebrate the accomplishments of the ADA. On Monday July 20th, a 30th Anniversary kick off event will be hosted on Zoom at 6 pm EST. Meeting ID: 965 4004 9160. Councilwoman Selonia Miles of the town of Dumfries will be speaking along with Teri Morgan, Executive Director of the VA Board for the People with Disabilities. The keynote speaker on Monday will be Steven Gordon, Department of Justice Offie of the US Attorneys, Assistant US Attorney and Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator of the Eastern District of VA.

Tuesday through Friday, July 21 – 24, 2020, there will be Facebook Live spotlights at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm. You can join daily by following @VABoard or @DumfriesFirst. You can also visit their websites, www.vaboard.org.

On Saturday July 15, 2020, the Training Alumni Association is hosting a Day of Action focusing on Transportation and the concerns and challenges it poses to those with disabilities. The event will be hosted by Councilwoman Selonia Miles and moderated by Delegate Delores McQuinn, VA House of Delegate for the 70th District.

Saturday’s Zoom will begin at 12 pm. To join, click here. Meeting ID: 966 5252 1387

Lastly, the finale on Sunday July 26th will begin at 3 pm via zoom. To join, click here. Meeting ID: 919 4868 3805.

The event includes key speakers Janai Santiago, YKA -CVA, Councilwoman Selonia Miles, Teri Morgan, VBPD Exec. Director, and Ed Turner, ADA Civil Rights Activist.

For more information on regional ADA centers call: 1-800-949-4232 or click here.

For additional events and webinars celebrating the ADA’s 30th Anniversary, click here.