Independent Living Agency, University to Sponsor Celebration of Americans with Disabilities Act

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sources for Community Independent Living Services in Fayetteville and the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas are planning a weeklong celebration July 26-30 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the ADA will include construction of wheelchair ramps by volunteers and a Roll n' Walk event on the Fayetteville trail system.

 Signed on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the first civil rights legislation on behalf of people with disabilities. The act is about access to opportunities and services for people with disabilities.

During the weeklong celebration, six events are planned:

• Mayoral ADA proclamations in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale throughout the week.
• Open houses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26 at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers and the JTL Shop in Springdale. Information will be available to assist people with disabilities, their families and the interested public learn more about human services available in northwest Arkansas.
• Roll n' Walk at 7 p.m. July 27 on the Fayetteville trail system. Beginning at Quality Life north along Scull Creek Trail, the Roll n' Walk event is for anyone who would enjoy a 5K "ability" walk to honor the ADA. Participants are invited to come early at 6:30 p.m. for special activities.
• An ADA symposium on July 28 featuring four one-hour informational sessions covering the history of the act, its protections and provisions, implementation in public and private settings, and its impact on the lives of people in northwest Arkansas.
• Accessibility Day on July 29 in which wheelchair ramps will be constructed by volunteers. Building ramps underscores the accessibility theme of the ADA. Five teams of ramp builders representing local business, human service and educational organizations will disperse throughout northwest Arkansas to build ramps to improve access at the homes of five people with disabilities.
• Celebration concert from 6 to 9 p.m. July 30 at Jose's in Springdale. Between sets by T. Nelson and the Shifters, people with disabilities in northwest Arkansas will share some of the ways the Americans with Disabilities Act has made a difference in their lives.

The public is invited to attend all of the activities.