RAPID CITY, SD—Two milestone anniversaries will be spotlighted when Rapid City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee hosts its annual Disability Resource Fair July 26.
The event is open to the public, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main Street Square and will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is also the 50th anniversary of the committee’s existence with the City of Rapid City.
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.
“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 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 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.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, communications and all public and private places open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
For more information, visit the City’s Facebook page at www.rcgov.org or e-mail disabilityaac@rcgov.org .
