City’s Disability Awareness/Accessibility Cmte hosting annual event with food, vendors, entertainment
RAPID CITY, SD—Thirty-five years ago this week, President George H.W. Bush signed the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a sweeping civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life such as employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and public services.
Each year since the passage of the ADA, Rapid City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee hosts a community event to celebrate passage of the legislation, which took many years of dedicated effort and advocacy by people with disabilities, supporters and groups.
This year’s observance will be held this Saturday at Main Street Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature food, vendors and entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
The event celebrates two milestone anniversaries – the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 50th anniversary of the City committee’s advocacy in the Rapid City community.
“This is a really big year for us,” said Tamie Hopp, Committee chairwoman. “Each year, we gather to host a picnic and vendor event for the community to come together and not only learn about services available, but also celebrate how far we have come as a community and as a society in general in addressing the barriers and challenges faced by people with ability challenges. This year is special as it marks the 35th year of passage of the ADA.
“This is also a year for our committee to celebrate and reflect on 50 years of service to the community, educating citizens and elected officials on the value of an accessible city for all citizens, and working to break down the physical and attitudinal barriers faced.”
The Resource Fair will include a free lunch, vendor booths and a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun Tony DeBlois, an internationally-renowned musician who is blind and has autism, will be the featured entertainer.
A portion of Sixth Street near Main Street Square will be closed during the event and will include various activities including chalk art, hosted by the Suzie Cappa Art Center, and games sponsored by the Rapid City Police Activity League. The Committee is also overseeing distribution of free parking permits for resource fair participants. The parking passes can be accessed at the Committee’s booth at the event.
For more information, visit the City’s Facebook page at www.rcgov.org or e-mail disabilityaac@rcgov.org .
