July 31, 2020
Johnson City celebrates 30th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act
The City of Johnson City and the Tennessee Disability coalition are excited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the United States’ most important pieces of civil rights legislation prohibiting discrimination and ensuring people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as all other Americans.
Signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990 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 ensures equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a crucial achievement for the civil rights of people with disabilities across the nation,” said Johnson City Mayor Jenny Brock. “We are excited to celebrate, commemorate, and continue working to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in Johnson City.”
To commemorate this milestone Johnson City and the Tennessee Disability Coalition are encouraging residents to use the hashtags #ThanksToTheADA and #InThisTogetherTN on social media to help raise awareness of the anniversary. Moreover, the campaign aims to spotlight Johnson City residents with disabilities, and their contributions to the community.
Johnson City, Mayor Brock, and the Tennessee Disability Coalition, and its 40+ member agencies invite residents, organizations, government entities, and faith communities to join in the celebration by sharing your #ThanksTotheADA and #InThisTogetherTN moments.
In a social media post, individuals may use any media (video, pictures, written word, or other) to share how they are celebrating the anniversary, and celebrating Tennesseans with disabilities. Social media posts should include #InThisTogetherTN and #ThanksToTheADA.
“Across the state, over 1.6 million Tennesseans have some form of disability, most of which we just can’t see. While it certainly includes our friends that use assistive devices like as a wheelchair, or cane; the law protects individuals with many other diagnosis such as breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease,” said Carol Westlake, Executive Director of the Tennessee Disability Coalition. “After 30 years, we recognize the important progress we’ve made, and look forward to working with leaders like Mayor Brock to ensure the full and equal participation of all.”
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