Anniversary of ADA cause to celebrate

The Northern Regional Center for Independent Living wants you to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds arena, off Coffeen Street, community members are invited to browse through nonprofit agencies' information booths and silent auction items, enjoy music from local bands and discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"We put on an ADA celebration event every year to just educate the community about the passage of the ADA and the effect that it's had on people with disabilities in the community," said Brenda S. Campany, executive director of the center. "It's good for business, because it has encouraged accessible business places, so people who have mobility issues can get in their stores, shop around and spend money."

Mrs. Campany said this is the first year the center has partnered with other human service agencies to create such a large event. Transitional Living Services of Northern New York, Jefferson Rehabilitation Center and the Mental Health Association in Jefferson County are sponsoring the event.

A silent auction also will benefit the Watertown Urban Mission's food pantry. There will be no admission charge, but attendees will be asked to donate one canned food item for the pantry. A free barbecue, games and door prizes will also be offered.

"What we were hoping to do is reach a broader audience and make it a bigger event, and again to educate the community on the ADA and people with disabilities," Mrs. Campany said.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 to ensure equal physical and attitudinal access for people with disabilities to participate in the community to the fullest extent, she said. Although some strides have been made, Mrs. Campany said people with disabilities still continue to fight some of the same fights they have had for the past couple of decades.

Some of the successes include an increase in accessible entrances into pubic and private buildings, installation of curb cuts on sidewalks, as well as more positive attitudes about business owners who hire more individuals who are disabled.

To recognize some of the accomplishments, the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living will present six "Barrier Buster" awards.

For more information, or to request accommodations, call the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living at 785-8703.