ADA Network

Do you care about people with disabilities being included in faith communities? Do you think the spiritual needs of people with disabilities are often overlooked when doing assessments and developing care plans? Does disability affect your life in any way?

Religious leaders and educators, individuals with disabilities and their families, and disability service providers are invited to participate in this inaugural event designed to accelerate congregational accessibility so that people with disabilities and their families can have deeper access into the community life of congregations throughout Tennessee.

When:
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
8:30a.m.-5 p.m.

Where:
Holiday Inn Express
920 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
For discounted room reservations, call: 615) 244-0150 or toll-free (888) 443-7829

Fees:
$49 Before September 24
$59 After September 24
Fees cover meals, snacks, and a CD of resources.
A limited number of scholarships are available.
To request a scholarship call: (615) 322-5658 r toll-free (866) 936-8852

 

Program:

• Breakfast and Registration - 8:30am
  
• Welcome - 9am
  
• Keynote Speaker: Mark Crenshaw, Director of Interfaith Disability Connection - 9:15am
  
• Breakout Sessions - 10:30am

1. Turning Dreams of Inclusion into Action Plans
2. Do You Have a Story? Storytelling as a Tool for Barrier Removal

• Lunch and Stories of Inclusion - 11:30am
  
• Keynote Speaker: Becca Hornstein, Director of the Council for Jews With Special Needs - 1:30pm
• Panel Discussion: Inclusion & Empowerment - 2:45pm
  
• Wrap Up and Charge - 3:45pm
  
• Networking Hour with Refreshments - 4pm 

For more information:  Call (615) 322-8240 or email courtney.taylor@vanderbilt.edu

To register:  http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/congregationinclusion/

 

Sponsored by: Faith for ALL and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

To download a PDF flyer

To download a text-only flyer

The 20th Anniversary Celebration began with a reception for leaders, advocates, friends and members of the Disability Community enjoying food and fellowship while touring exhibits on impressive communication technologies that empower individuals with disabilities. 

First Lady Andrea Conte kicked off the formal program before a packed house of more than 200 guests at Conservation Hall on Monday, July 26th.  The First Lady spoke about her committment and pride in ensuring that renovations to the Tennessee Residence and the construction of Conservation Hall were up to code, ensuring accessibility for all.

Following her, Governor Phil Bredesen took the stage to present a proclamation commemorating the occasion.  Representing the next generatio of disabilty leaders, an honored and excited Lizzy Soloman accepted the proclamation from the Governor on behalf of all Tennesseans.

Mayor Karl Dean stepped forward to speak on the importance of community and the inclusion of all its members, after which the lead attorney for the Disability Law & Advocacy Center, Martha Lafferty, spoke.  Lafferty introduced the man she represented in his case heard before the Supreme Court in 2004, George Lane, and talked about the significance of that Court’s decision.  Speaking from his heart, Lane discussed his contribution to equal access and disability rights through that suit, and charged the audience with the duty of continuing the fight. 

Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee, shared his own battle for equal access to take the Bar Exam, and echoed Lane’s call for future progress.

Later, Donna DeStefano, Assistant Executive Director of the Coalition, spoke about the recent passing of three great leaders in the Tennessee Disability Community: Lana Kyle, Glen Barr, and Jackie Page.  A slideshow displayed their photos as she spoke about their contributions.

The program came to a close with a viewing of remarks made by President George H.W. Bush upon his signing of the ADA on July 26th, 1990.  It was an fantastic finish to an event that highlighted how much the ADA has meant in the last 20 years and sparked hopes for another great 20 years.

Event Partners:  Center for Independent Living of Middle TN, Disability Law and Advocacy Center of TN, TN Disability Coalition, and the TN Mental Health Consumers' Association.

More About the ADA 20th Anniversary

Links below were valid as of August 2, 2010.

Knoxville News Sentinel story about George Lane's historic Supreme Court case - "One morning in 1997, George Lane found himself at the base of a staircase in the Polk County courthouse wondering how he was going to get to the courtroom on the second floor." To read more.

Commentary on ADA 20th Anniversary by Kendra Calhoun, President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition of America.  An exerpt: "Why is the ADA so important? Historically, not only have Americans with disabilities struggled for equal employment opportunities and equal access to public transportation, services and facilities, they have also fought to be treated with dignity and respect." To read it.

President Obama signs Executive Order to increase federal employment of individuals with disabilities.  An exceprt of his remarks:

"Today, as we commemorate what the ADA accomplished, we celebrate who the ADA was all about.  It was about the young girl in Washington State who just wanted to see a movie at her hometown theater, but was turned away because she had cerebral palsy; or the young man in Indiana who showed up at a worksite, able to do the work, excited for the opportunity, but was turned away and called a cripple because of a minor disability he had already trained himself to work with; or the student in California who was eager and able to attend the college of his dreams, and refused to let the iron grip of polio keep him from the classroom -- each of whom became integral to this cause."  To read his full remarks.

Historic Moment in the US House of Representatives - "For the first time in history, a lawmaker in a wheelchair will preside over the House of Representatives. I am incredibly excited and humbled," says Rep. Jim Langevin, who will be the trailblazer. Up until now, it has been impossible for the Rhode Island Democrat, a quadriplegic since the age of 16, to perform a chore that's routine for the rest of his colleagues."  To read more.

National Public Radio - Talk of the Nation - The program discusses changes that have come about as of result of the ADA.  To access audio audio and a transcript.

 

Join citizens from across the state as we celebrate the Americans With Disabilities Act 20th Anniversary with TN First Lady Andrea Conte at Conservation Hall on July 26, 2010.  Everyone is welcome, but registration is required.

Date:  July 26th, 2010

Location:  Conservation Hall at the Governor's Residence, 882 South Curtiswood Lane, Nashville (parking off-site)

2pm - 3pm:  Exhibits on effective communications and refreshments will be served

3pm - 4pm:  Formal celebratory program (details tba)

What is the event about?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law July 26, 1990.  The law was the result of years of  work as people with disabilities addressed barriers that excluded them from work and society. The ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration is going to celebrate the successes and advancements made in the last twenty years while highlight advancements in effective communication for people with disabilities.

Is the event free?

There is no charge for the event, but seating is limited and reservations are required by July 19, 2010. Reservations can be made at http://ada20thanniversary.eventbrite.com/ or by calling (615) 383-9442.

Who should attend?

Event open to everyone. People with disabilities and their families, business men and women, legislators, lawyers, medical staff, organizations that work with people with disabilities, and the list goes on.

Parking

Parking will not be available at the Residence. Shuttle service will be provided at Cofers Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. ALL attendees MUST park at the shuttle site as only the shuttles will have gate clearance through security. All registrants will have clearance and get checked in before getting on the shuttle for entry to the Conservation Hall. The address for parking at the church is: 3915 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN.

Event Partners

 

 

 

 

 

Center for Indepdent Living of Middle TN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Events Across the State

Below is a preliminary list of available information about events around the state.  This information will be updated throughout July.

Chattanooga

The TRAC Center for Independent Living will be hosting a celebration in early September.

Date:  September 9, 2010
Time: 11am - 2pm
Place:  Alhambra Shrine Temple
For more information:  contact Pam Jackson at (423) 892-4774.

Jackson

At press time the Jackson Center for Independent Living expected to host its annual ADA Celebration on/about July 26 in the early afternoon.  Activities typically include food, music and games.  This year’s event may also include a special tribute to its Executive Director, Glen Barr, who recently passed away.  For more information call (731) 668-2211.

Knoxville

The disABILITY Resource Center and its partners will be hosting a Spirit of ADA Celebration.

Date:  July 26th
Time:  Breakfast/Awards 9 to 10:30am, Walk N Roll Activities 11am to 1pm
Location:  Ashley Nicole Playground

Featuring:

• Spirit of ADA Awards Celebration Breakfast - Recognizing an individual with a disability as well as a variety of persons and businesses in the community for their contributions to disability rights
• Walk N Roll Activities
• Wheelchair obstacle course
• Beeper ball
• Cane walk
• And more

For more information: Contact Nicole Anderson at (865) 637-3666.

Memphis

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Americans with Disabilities Act:  Rights Worth Fighting For.”  Several partners have come together for this year’s celebration including the Memphis Center for Independent Living, the MidSouth Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Arc of the MidSouth.

Date:  July 26th
Time:  11am to 1pm
Location:  The Hall of Mayors
Featuring:  Keynote address by Congressman Steve Cohen plus food, music and fun.

For more information: Contact Leslie Jones at (901) 726-6404.

Paris

The TARP Center for Independent Living will be welcoming the community to an ADA celebration at the Henry County Fairgrounds.

Date:  July 24th
Time:  11am to 7pm
Location:  Henry County Fairgrounds

Featuring:

• Live Music
• Indoor/Outdoor Activities
• Motorcycle Ride & Show
• Games and Family Fun
• Cakewalk & Roll
• And more

For more information: Contact Bob Leonard at (731) 644-0026.

Photo Caption:  President George H.W. Bush signing the ADA into law in 1990

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tower is home to numerous state departments. About 10 years ago, a bathroom designed to accommodate citizens with disabilities was added to each floor as a part of a $24 million renovation.The Channel 4 I-Team found all of those bathrooms unlocked except one. Read more at http://www.wsmv.com/news/23507704/detail.html

Public Service Announcement "Service Animals Welcome" is posted on YouTube