Bloomington is marking a significant milestone come August 3, with an event to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Organized by the City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility, the celebration is set to occur from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fernandez Plaza, adjacent to City Hall and the Farmer’s Market. Should the weather turn sour, the City Hall Atrium will play host to the event.
This year's gathering aims to enhance the visibility of accessibility issues and to better connect residents with disabilities to helpful resources. As noted by City of Bloomington, IN - Office of the Mayor the festivities will include a variety of informational booths from local organizations dedicated to support or are led by people with disabilities. The lineup promises to provide ample learning opportunities, as well as an invitation to collectively contribute to creating a more inclusive Bloomington.
Among the featured organizations are the Monroe County Public Library and Stone Belt, with others like the Mobility Aids Lending Library and Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living in attendance. Additionally, the Special Olympics and the Indiana Institute on Development and Community, alongside the Bloomington Volunteer Network, will make their presence known. Each organization will showcase how they serve the community and support individuals with disabilities.
The Council for Community Accessibility, a volunteer group that has been advocating since 1990, is behind the planning of this event. They tirelessly work to advise the city on ADA implementation, aiming to ensure compliance with the law that broadly bans discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA, as per its foundational principle, extends its protection to various domains of public life, such as employment, education, transportation, and any public space or event..
