Disability Awareness Week set for July 25-29

Volunteers building ramps, people rolling, walking and running on the Fayetteville trail system, workshops and a concert are all part of a weeklong celebration of the Americans With Disabilities Act set for July 25-29, sponsored in part by the College of Education and Health Professions.

Sources for Community Independent Living Services in Fayetteville and its community partners have planned the week's activities to bring awareness to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, the first civil-rights legislation on behalf of people with disabilities. The act is about access to opportunities and services for people with disabilities.

"We are celebrating the progress that has been made under the ADA by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion," said Jim Mather, executive director of Sources. "Disability Awareness Week is about recognizing a person's abilities and understanding that perceptions and attitudes can get in the way of that recognition."

The mission of Sources is to promote the independence of people with disabilities by facilitating and supporting their full integration and participation in all aspects of community life. Sources provides services, support and advocacy for people with disabilities, their families and the community.

Volunteers from Springdale High School and Arkansas Support Network will build wheelchair-accessible ramps at one home in Fayetteville and one in Springdale.

The workshops will provide information to human resource personnel, people with disabilities and their families, service providers and anyone else interested in learning more. Presenters include disability service providers, human resource professionals, University of Arkansas representatives and people with disabilities.

All events are free and open to the public:

· Monday, July 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Employment Workshops, John Brown University, Rogers

· Tuesday, July 26, 7 p.m., 5K Ability Roll n' Walk Run, 2619 N. Quality Lane, Fayetteville

· Wednesday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., ADA Symposium and Disability Awareness Fair, Jones Center for Families, Springdale

· Thursday, July 28, Accessibility Day ramp builds, Fayetteville and Springdale

·  Friday, July 29, ADA Celebration Concert, 6 to 9 p.m., Jose's Southwest Grille, 5240 W. Sunset Ave., Springdale.

For more information, visit http://www.arsources.org/.