News & Information > News Releases

Florida to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 30 years ago this month and has made a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

On July 24, at 11 a.m., a virtual statewide event will feature self-advocates, state and community leaders, and disability organizations. The online celebration requires participants to pre-register at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the event at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7378323763098407949.

Local and state leaders will be speaking. There will be three keynote speakers who will share how the ADA has helped them achieve their goals. They are:

• Whitney Harris, Comptroller for the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
• Shevie Barnes, Self-advocate and Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2018
• Peter O’Connell, Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living of South Florida

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), RESPECT of Florida, ABLE United, Able Trust, Ability 1st, Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living, and many other stakeholders are hosting Florida’s celebration of the ADA.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 55,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, Phalen-McDermid syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1 866 APD CARES (1 866 273 2273).