Disability Awareness Week 2010
About Disability Awareness Week - July 26-30, 2010:
Sources for Community Independent Living Services and community partners are planning a weeklong celebration July 26-30 of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Activities include construction of wheelchair ramps by volunteers and a 5K Roll n' Walk Run event on the Fayetteville trail system to mark the anniversary of the ADA. All events are free and open to the public.
On the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made under the ADA by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion.
Disability Awareness Week Activities
Monday, July 26 – Open House Anniversary Parties
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Center for Nonprofits @ St. Mary’s, 1200 W. Walnut St., Rogers
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Center for Nonprofits @ JTL Shop, 615 E. Emma Ave., Springdale
Join us for cake, punch and proclamations from Rogers Mayor Steve Womack and Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse as we watch the 20th anniversary celebration of the ADA broadcast live from Washington, D.C. A variety of disability service providers and agencies will be on hand to help people with disabilities, families, and the interested public learn more about human services available in northwest Arkansas.
Tuesday, July 27 – 5K Ability Roll n' Walk Run
- 7 p.m., Start & end at Quality Life Associates, 2619 N. Quality Lane, Fayetteville
Download a Registration Form Here (PDF) - FREE Registration!
People of all abilities are invited to walk, run or roll for fun on a one-mile or three-mile route along the beautiful Scull Creek Trail in Fayetteville. This free event will feature timing by Fleet Feet Sports for those who want to know, but it’s more about the fun and exercise. Bikes, strollers and chairs are welcome! Registration opens at 6 p.m., with a proclamation by Mayor Lioneld Jordan's office at 6:30 p.m. Supported by the Fayetteville Parks & Recreation Department, Brooks Graphics, and Quality Life Associates.
Wednesday, July 28 – ADA Symposium & Disability Awareness Fair
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m., University of Arkansas, Student Union, Fayetteville
Designed for service providers, individuals with disabilities, families and the public, the ADA Symposium will feature informational sessions covering the history of the ADA, protections and provisions of the ADA, implementation of the ADA in public and private settings, and the impact of the ADA on the lives of citizens in northwest Arkansas. This event is free and open to the community, with no registration required. Parking is available in the parking garage on Stadium Drive.
You are welcome to attend any session. Keynote address begins at 9 a.m., followed by three concurrent sessions from 10:15-11:15 a.m. A general session on "Building Accessible Communities" will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy lunch in the Arkansas Union. The three concurrent sessions repeat from 1:45-2:45 p.m., followed by a general session, "What the ADA Means to Me," a panel discussion from 3-4 p.m.
Thursday, July 29 – Accessibility Day Ramp Builds
Some residents of northwest Arkansas have difficulty even leaving their own homes. Helping to remove those barriers will be teams of volunteers who will build wheelchair ramps to help individuals become more active in their community. To volunteer to help build a ramp, contact Sources at 479-442-5600.
Friday, July 30 – ADA Celebration Concert
- 6–9 p.m., Jose’s Southwest Grille, 5240 W. Sunset Ave., Springdale
Don’t miss the fun on the patio for the ADA Celebration Concert featuring T. Nelson and the Shifters. This celebration concert is open to the public free of charge. Special guests will visit throughout the evening, sharing their personal stories about how the Americans with Disability Act has made a difference in their lives.
About the ADA:
Signed on July 26, 1990 by President George H. Bush, the ADA 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.
The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.
Community Partners:
Adult Development (ADC)Arkansas People First
Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Arkansas Support Network
Benton County Sunshine School
Lifestyles
Quality Life Associates
Elizabeth Richardson Center
University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions