A free webinar hosted by United Spinal Association highlights the 30 years of progress since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how advocacy will continue to play a role in strengthening disability rights as new challenges are navigated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT.
Guests will include ADA sponsor and former Sen Tom Harkin of Iowa; US Access Board’s Executive Director David Capozzi; and United Spinal’s President and CEO James Weisman as well as advocates from across the country. Both Capozzi and Weisman have been longtime advocates for the ADA, according to a media release from United Spinal.
“Bringing together our members, grassroots advocates, and leaders within the disability community for candid discussions enhances our ongoing advocacy and policy work to ensure people with disabilities have access to healthcare, communications, transportation, employment, community supports, and the built environment. It provides us with a better understanding of the daily difficulties people are experiencing on the ground, as they cope with many uncertainties during these challenging times.”
— Alexandra Bennewith, MPA, Vice President, Government Relations at United Spinal
The ADA, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability, celebrates its 30th Anniversary on July 26, 2020.
The law also requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations.
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“We’re honored to have Tom Harkin, a loyal supporter of disability rights and a true champion for our community join the meeting to share his perspectives on the ADA and future progress,” Weisman adds.
This meeting is the third installment of United Spinal’s 3-part Virtual Advocacy Series, which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.
In addition to the Americans with Disabilities Act, United Spinal’s Virtual Advocacy Series covers a variety of issues impacting wheelchair users and the larger disability community, including access to:
- telework/assistive technology
- telehealth/rehabilitation
- accessible and autonomous transportation in the age of COVID
- caregiving
- personal protective equipment
- medications and supplies
- home and community-based services
Alaska Airlines is a proud supporter of United Spinal’s Virtual Advocacy Series. Each attendee of the July 15th meeting will be entered into a drawing for two round trip Alaska Airline tickets. The winner will be announced after the July 15th Virtual Advocacy Series meeting. Tickets are valid for one year, per the release.
Visit United Spinal Association to register for the upcoming webinar and to access previous meetings.
[Source(s): United Spinal Association, PR Newswire]
