ONEIDA – Every year a coalition of local organizations works to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access and equal opportunities, and every July they try to raise awareness of the problems and challenges of those they serve.
To kick off the month, Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone will be making a proclamation at noon on Thursday, July 8th, at the Madison County Courthouse in Wampsville. The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed in 1990, prevents discrimination against people with disabilities and prescribes methods to ensure equal opportunities in employment, transportation, the provision of government services, and access to all public housing.
In the courthouse, Scimone will declare July Madison County’s Disability Awareness Month. This location was chosen to highlight the work the community has been doing in recent years to ensure that the courthouse and county shops have been made accessible.
In addition to the proclamation, the coalition made further commemorations possible. This includes encouraging locals to share selfies on social media in front of their preferred accessible location in the county using #MadAccess or creating their own lawn signs using #ThanksToTheADA to increase local awareness. This month there will also be an Artisans of the Arc vendor booth on July 24th on Oneida Commons selling creations by people with developmental disabilities supported by The Arc Madison Cortland.
“We are honored that the coalition has chosen to showcase our crafting event as part of the July Celebration,” said Susan Litera, director of development and communications at The Arc Madison Cortland. “We look forward to once again taking part in the commemoration of ADA and at the same time supporting all people with disabilities.”
Sponsoring organizations include Acces VR, The Arc Madison Cortland, ARISE, Empowering People’s Independence, LifePlan, Madison County Advocates, and the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.
For more information, please visit @arcofmcny on Facebook.
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