In El Paso, the El Paso Community College (EPCC) and the Volar Center for Independent Living held an event to mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), legislation seminal in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities. EPCC News detailed the celebration at their Valle Verde campus, noting the ADA's critical role in ensuring equal opportunity in employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations since its inception on July 26, 1990.
EPCC CSD's John Estrada emphasized the tangible benefits the ADA brings, pointing out, "the ADA helps the students tremendously, take the building here for instance, we have ramps and classrooms and accessibility so the student with a disability doesn't have to struggle," which he relayed to EPCC News; meanwhile, Luis Enrique Chew of the Volar CIL underlined the cooperation and advocacy in the El Paso region that's fundamental for this civil rights progress at the fully booked occasion. State Senator Cesar Blanco expressed via video that "The 35th anniversary of ADA is a powerful reminder of how far we have come, and I have seen that impact here in El Paso," he discerned the law's role in enabling millions to live with dignity.
Highlights of the program included a State Senate Resolution presentation with a commemorative video and Civil Rights Attorney Jim Harrington discussing notable local ADA cases. These incidents, which gained national attention, such as those involving Electronic Voting Machines and the U.S. Postal Service, were part of a presentation Harrington highlighted, which he shared during the event. Additionally, the celebration featured a dance performance by the special needs group St. Pius KALIBE Folklorico, representation from local officials, and an assortment of exhibitors providing information and refreshments to commemorate the landmark anniversary.
