RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a public reception. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, in the lobby of City Hall at 300 Sixth St.
The committee has been a champion for equal inclusion of people with disabilities since its inception in 1975, predating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by 15 years. Tamie Hopp, the committee chair, stated that the event is a way to thank the inclusive community while also raising awareness about the group’s work in Rapid City.
The committee’s work, which includes organizing events like the annual Disability Resource Fair and the All-Ability Skate, has helped transform the community. Hopp said the committee’s sustained advocacy over five decades has led to tangible improvements in infrastructure and services, including city parks, the airport, streets, and public buildings.
Looking to the future, the committee plans to continue its work, focusing on breaking down both physical and attitudinal barriers. For more information about the committee, visit the City of Rapid City’s website at www.rcgov.org or contact the Mayor’s Office at 605-394-4110. The committee’s Facebook page can also be accessed from the city’s home page.