#ADA30 Manatee County Celebrates 30 Years of Progress in Access & Inclusion on the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 26 marks the 30th anniversary of President George H. W. Bush signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a hallmark piece of legislation that calls for equal treatment for people of differing abilities in America. The landmark legislation guards the ability of people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity by expanding access to opportunities in the workplace, in transportation, through government programs and services, and in other important aspects of daily life.
Manatee County strives to provide equal access, equal enjoyment and equal participation in programs, services and activities to all people in our community. Carmine DeMilio, the ADA Compliance Coordinator for our government, pointed out that the 30th anniversary of the ADA is a good time to think about how far we’ve come in advancing equality for people with disabilities. It also gives us a chance to evaluate how we ensure equality and inclusiveness into the future.
Manatee County has made significant progress on ADA compliance in recent years. Here are a few of the things we have done to ensure all of our buildings are accessible for everyone:
- We are currently updating a Federally required Comprehensive Transition Plan through county wide assessments to identify ADA deficiencies.
- We have accessible sidewalks to athletic field bleachers so someone with a disability can enjoy athletic events.
- We’ve modified restrooms to be accessible and inclusive to all.
- We’re installing remote door openers at our County facilities.
- We work with local non profit agencies to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
- People can access hearing loops where we frequently have public meetings, such as in the The Honorable Patricia M. Glass County Commission Chambers. Hearing loops are being installed in our public libraries now, too.
- All County Commission meetings and custom programming on MGA Television, our public access channel, are closed captioned for the deaf and hearing impaired. ASL interpreters attend emergency meetings to provide sign language interpretation whenever severe weather or other emergencies threaten our community.
- A part time employee works regularly to keep all of our electronic documents and our website content accessible for those with disabilities.
Please join me in celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Visit www.adaanniversary.org to learn more about this special date and follow #ADA30 on social media to learn how people around the nation are benefiting from the inclusion and diversity this legislation has enabled. Consider sharing your own stories of inclusion in Manatee County with the hashtag as well!
