Disability Network of Northern Michigan - ADA 30 Events

Description

July 2, 2020 is the 30th Anniversary of the original signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law by President George H.W. Bush.  Disability Network Northern Michigan will observe the Americans with Disabilities Act by sharing weekly free online ADA30 Michigan Celebration events that have been selected by our Disability Network Peer Advocacy Group.

At Disability Network, we are helping people with disabilities live fully engaged and self-directed lives everyday.  According to Disability Network's Peer Advocacy Group Coordinator, Demarie Jones, "While the ADA addresses many barriers for people with disabilities, there is still a lot of work to be done to build inclusive, accessible communities.  Access is as individual as the person needing it.

Advocate, Reuben Miller, has challenged and brought about disability culture change in Grand Traverse County for decades.  As founding board member of the Traverse City Center for Independent Living and the Traverse City Area Association for a Barrier-Free Environment, Miller has worked with county and state officials to further accessibility according to the civil rights outlined in the ADA.  Miller continues to be a champion for Disability Network's Peer Advocacy Group where he works to open the community's eyes to accessibility barriers for people with disabilities.  "There is life after a disability.  People need to understand that I am not bound to a wheelchair.  A wheelchair does not reflect who I am or how I live my life".

Disability Network Northern Michigan Executive Director, Jim Moore, remarks that "The full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to remove barriers so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community living.  Since disabilities are a natural part of life, we are continuing to provide programs and services during the pandemic using online platforms and phones to connect people to opportunities and resources".

Join our Disability Network Peer Advocacy Group starting on July 26, 2020 via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/disabilitynetworknorthernmichigan as they share weekly ADA30 virtual events that advocate for inclusive communities.

Disability Network Northern Michigan is the first stop for people with disabilities and their families in Northern Michigan.  Our mission is to promote personal empowerment and positive social change for people with disabilities.  We educate and connect people with disabilities to resources while advocating for social change in an accessible and welcoming community.