Disability Network Of Southwest Michigan To Celebrate 30 Years Of The ADA This Month

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A celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be held in southwest Michigan this month. The Disability Network of Southwest Michigan’s Kristen Potts tells WSJM News the group celebrates the ADA each year, but with this being 30 years since the legislation was approved, they wanted to do something special. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cancelled a big gathering they’d planned in Kalamazoo. However, Potts says moving the event online will have its advantages.

“It’s not in person, but it hopefully will allow some people from outside of the Kalamazoo area to be able to attend and learn more about the ADA and learn more about what the Disability Network Does,” Potts said. “We’re excited about that.”

Potts says the ADA celebration planned for July 24 will include presentations and a discussion.

“We’re going to be releasing a video that we produced about the history of the disability rights movement. It takes a look at some local history, and also some history at the state and national levels.”

The Disability Network of Southwest Michigan will give out its four annual awards during the Zoom gathering. They include awards for Volunteer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, the Independent Living Award, and the Community Inclusion Award, which will go to the city of South Haven. Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration, which will be at noon on July 24. You can register as the network’s website.