(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Disabilities Commission will host a day-long informational event on July 23 in Salem in recognition of the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The free event, which is open to the public, will feature presentations, panel discussions and other learning opportunities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. NE, Salem. Among the presenters will be members of the Portland Pounders Wheelchair Rugby Team as well as advocates Sherrin Coleman and Gabrielle Guedon.

The day will start with a welcome ceremony followed by concurrent workshop sessions that begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Workshop topics will include:

• The history of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Day-to-day challenges for individuals living with disabilities;
• Living with a hidden disability;
• Dealing with behavioral health and disability problems; and,
• A motivational talk on living with a disability.

Featured event speeches will be from noon to 1 p.m. with speakers from the Oregon Disabilities Commission, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Governor’s Office. Cake and refreshments will follow the speeches.   

Along with the speeches and informational sessions, there will be several showings of the documentary, Lives Worth Living, about the disability rights movement. Screening times are: 9:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Groups who will be hosting informational booths include:

• Employment First;
• Vocational Rehabilitation;
• Disability Rights Oregon;
• Employed Persons with Disabilities;
• Oregon ABLE Savings;
• Oregon Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Council; and,
• Veteran’s Employee Resource Group & Oregon Disabled Veterans Association.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us  Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the event. There will be American Sign Language interpreters at the event.

If you have questions about the celebration and program, contact: OregonDisabilities.Commission@state.or.us.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission:

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations services individuals with disabilities.

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