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Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act

TALLAHASSEE, FL - A representative from the U.S. Department of Justice will join Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum in Tallahassee on Thursday, July 24, to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event will be held on the 22nd floor of the Capitol from 9 to 11 a.m. Tallahassee area business representatives are encouraged to attend.

Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities is partnering with the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Ability 1st (Center for Independent Living of North Florida), and the Able Trust to hold the ADA anniversary event.

The ADA was signed into law 18 years ago to help include people with disabilities in every aspect of society. Attorney General Bill McCollum said, "The ADA was truly landmark legislation guaranteeing civil rights for people with disabilities. As Attorney General, I appreciate the opportunities the ADA provides our citizens and the recourse it gives us as we work to protect the rights of all Floridians, including those with disabilities."

During the event, Special Counsel Ollie Cantos from the U. S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., will talk about the ADA Amendment Act. VR's Corporate Consultant Eladio Amores will talk about the positive changes he has witnessed as more people with disabilities are incorporated into the workforce.

Three organizations will be recognized at the event that have gone above and beyond in working to comply with the ADA.

APD's Interim Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, "It is important to take time to recognize milestones that have changed society like the ADA. It is equally important to recognize those organizations that have made a true commitment to including people with disabilities in all that they do."

If you would like to attend, RSVP to the Commission on Disabilities at (850) 487-3423.