A traveling exhibit – raising awareness and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — is rolling into Queens Monday afternoon.
The ADA Legacy Tour, which includes a “Road to Freedom” tour bus, a traveling exhibit displaying iconic photos from photographer Tom Olin and more information educating the public on disability rights, will stop at Queens Borough Hall between 2:30 and 5 p.m.
The traveling exhibit, which began last year, is produced by The ADA Legacy Project, Disability Rights Center, ADA National Network, and the Museum of disABILITY History.
Once the bus makes the stop, visitors will be able to learn about The ADA Legacy Project and its efforts to preserve disability history, celebrate disability milestones and educate the public. Visitors can also add their signatures to the ADA quilt and take part in giveaways, workshops and other programming.
In 1990 the ADA was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on disability – both mental and physical. The law also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations.
In 2008 the ADA Amendments Act was signed into law, broadening the definition of “disability” to extend the law’s protection to a larger group of people.
Prior to the signing of the amendment act, the “Road to Freedom” tour bus was driven across the nation by Olin, known for his involvement in the disability rights movement, and sought to gather support for the ADA Amendments Act. In the end it garnered thousands of signatures calling on the amendment.
Monday’s Queens stop is one of four throughout New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio earlier this month declared July as “Disability Pride Month” and on Sunday, the city also held its first-ever Disability Pride Parade in Manhattan.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act is one of the most important civil rights laws in history,” de Blasio said. “By designating July as Disability Pride Month, we are celebrating and commending the fierce advocacy of those who have fought for equal rights for decades and reaffirming our strong commitment to making New York City the most accessible city in the world.”
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