Press Release: City of Bloomington Hosts Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility (CCA)  will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Saturday, July 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.  The day’s festivities will highlight the ways in which the City and partner organizations are working to ensure accessibility to those of all abilities in Bloomington, and how individuals and groups can contribute to the effort. Founded in 1990, the CCA is a volunteer group that advocates for the interests of people with disabilities, promotes awareness of the challenges these individuals face, and works to develop solutions to them.  The following agencies and organizations will be represented with information/activity stations at Plaza 1A on the B-Line (next to the Farmers’ Market):  

• Monroe County Public Library

• Stone Belt

• Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

• Down Syndrome Family Connection

• The National Alliance on Mental Health

• Ivy Tech Community College

• Arc of Indiana

• LIFEDesigns

At each station, visitors of all abilities will be invited to try activities that offer a glimpse into how those with disabilities experience the world.  Completing activities such as navigating a wheelchair obstacle course, performing a task with low-vision goggles, or using sign language will earn participants prizes, including cookies from Baked!  In addition, the City of Bloomington Utilities will be offering visitors City-branded water bottles filled with City tap. 

“Together with our community partners, Bloomington keeps working to advance the civil rights of all our residents and visitors, and increase accessibility for those of all abilities,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “This event will showcase the strides we’ve made and the opportunities that exist, but also raise awareness about the challenges that many folks still face on a daily basis.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act became federal law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

For a complete list of Council for Community Accessibility volunteer opportunities and other activities, visit www.bloomington.in.gov/cca or contact Special Projects Coordinator Michael Shermis at cca@bloomington.in.gov or at 812.349.3471.

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