On July 26, the USA observes the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Here in New Jersey, we are connecting with the community at the Rockaway First Presbyterian Church from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26.
Caregivers, advocates, those with different abilities and all who care about disability pride, this free event is for you!
The ADA, a landmark civil rights law enacted July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability and guarantees equal access to public spaces, employment, transportation, telecommunications and government services.
Professor (Robert) Burgdorf, who played a fundamental role in writing the original ADA legislation, reminds us, “The point of the ADA is not disability - it is discrimination. The ADA is a mandate for equality.”
While the ADA has advanced civil rights, old obstacles and new challenges remain. Economic challenges, for example, are being studied at the National Disabilities Institute.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 44.7 million people - or 13.6 percent of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population - had a disability in 2023. Among adults aged 18 to 64 with disabilities, about 10.2 million were employed, and the median earnings for individuals with disabilities was $32,149.
Inequities, and changing political climates, exist and are being recognized to further advance and integrate fairness.
A Disability Pride Month opportunity to meet and hear from Paul Aronsohn is proudly being provided at the ADA35 Celebration.
Aronsohn is the New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.
He is our state’s lead advocate and ally who in 2023 received the Distinguished Developmental Disabilities Systems Change Award from the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.
What good fortune we have to hear from him at this crucial time!
Rounding out an exciting afternoon, the get-together will have entertaining activities for all. Music performers Mingo Lodge and Bobby Beetcut will be sharing songs along with special surprise cameos from other New Jersey artists.
Food, including baked goodies, will be available for purchase.
A drumming circle by all will close out this celebration of 35 years of ADA protections. (All are welcome to bring small musical drums or instruments.)
The Rockaway Presbyterian Church has limited space and you must register your seats. The organizers ask you to text simply the numbers and names of your party to 973-997-0116.
Wendy Goetz
Newton