ADA Celebration Rally to Salute Disability Pride Month and 24th Anniversary of American Disabilities Act

ADA Celebration Rally to Salute Disability Pride Month and 24th Anniversary of American Disabilities Act

Written on 01 July 2024.

July 1, 2024 (Atlanta, GA)- The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is excited to announce that they will be a sponsor for the 34 th Anniversary celebration of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) at Friendship Baptist Church located near the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Friday, July 26, 2024, from 10am - 12noon.

Presented by SHOWability and Amazon, the ADA Celebration Rally will salute disability pride month (July) and celebrate the 34 th anniversary of the ADA. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA Celebration Rally will feature entertainment, vendors, guest artists, speakers, music, and refreshments and will include a special film screening of a documentary by the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia.

"The ADA Anniversary Celebration Rally is not just a commemorative event but a crucial platform for highlighting and educating about ongoing challenges and advancements in disability rights. This gathering seeks to underscore the importance of continuing the legacy of the ADA by fostering an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can thrive unencumbered by barriers," said Myrna Clayton, Founder and Executive Director of SHOWAbility. "We are doubly excited about the new companies and organizations, like Amazon and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities [(GCDD)]and the rest, that are supporting this important effort this year," she shared.

Additionally, the ADA Celebration Rally will feature key conversations around disability inclusion during a panel discussion. Guest speakers include Ms. Georgia Wheelchair winners, including TED Talk Speaker and Disability Inclusion Expert, Ms. Yvette Peques, a former Ms. Wheelchair International. There will also be voter registration opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and other pertinent information available for the disability community about how to navigate challenges they may face due to having a disability. MARTA, Coca Cola, Disability Link, the Bobby Dodd Institute, and the Southeast ADA Center are among additional sponsors for the celebration.

"We are excited to join other Georgia based organizations in recognizing the 34 th anniversary of the signing of the American Disabilities Act. It is important that both public serving organizations as well as disability focused organizations collaborate in recognizing ADA, as access and inclusion is necessary in all facets of life for people living with disabilities," said D'Arcy Robb, Executive Director for the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). "When you see companies like MARTA and Coca Cola get involved, they are demonstrating that they too understand the importance of the ADA and the need for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities."

"This preeminent Atlanta event spotlights the vision surrounding the landmark legislation, foundation it created, and progress made over the past 34 years. Area speakers, performers and dignitaries will be featured July 26th at Friendship Baptist Church to reinforce the transformational messages of the Americans with Disabilities Act and proclaim a call to action for us collectively to keep moving forward to realize true equality and inclusiveness," said Todd Herman, Vice President of Development and Community Relations with the Bobby Dodd Institute in Atlanta. "The ADA marked a beginning and has demonstrated itself to be one of the most consequential laws in our nation. It opened doors to a new era of equality, freedom, and independence. It is immensely gratifying to be a part the purposeful partnership between several area organizations and the community in putting together this important celebration."

Friendship Baptist Church is located at 80 Walnut Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. This is a free event, but registration is required. To register for the ADA Celebration Rally, click the link below:

Register for 2024 ADA Celebration Rally. Saluting Disability Pride Month and 34th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (qualtrics.com)

Accommodations for this event can also be requested through the online registration form or in writing no later than July 12 to email: //// with subject: Accommodations Request for 2024 ADA Rally.

For more information about how to participate or to volunteer in the ADA Celebration Rally, contact SHOWAbility at //// or call 404-482-2209.

SHOWAbility is dedicated to raising awareness and breaking down unintentional barriers for people with disabilities through music, film, TV, arts, and culture. By showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities, SHOWAbility aims to create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to shine. To that end, SHOWAbility has created a number of programs, including creating the INCLUSIVE CHORUS (I-CHORUS) comprised of talented individuals with and without disabilities, which is the only one of its kind in the country.

About the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities: The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is the State's leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse people/persons with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities. www.gcdd.org

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