ADA 31st Anniversary: Celebrating Resilience!
July 26, 2021
12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
We’re “Celebrating Resilience” as we mark the 31st Anniversary of the ADA. The free, 90-minute virtual event will feature informative, engaging, and entertaining speakers and performances from across our state.
Featured Presenters
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will provide a virtual greeting to event attendees and offer a special Proclamation recognizing July 26, 2021 as the 31st Anniversary of the ADA. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will share ways the Zenith City is working to ensure greater accessibility for all its residents and visitors. NAMI Minnesota’s Executive Director Sue Abderholden will reflect on ways the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people with disabilities and the resilience shown by so many. Great Lakes ADA Center Project Manager Peter Berg will discuss the transformation to teleworking as a vital accessibility accommodation during the pandemic. Disability lead for the COVID-19 Community Coordinators Initiative Mai Thor will share the state’s efforts to reach people with disabilities during the pandemic. ARC Northland’s Adult and Family Services Manager Meredith Kujala will serve as event emcee.
Special guest performers
Event attendees will be treated to performances by acclaimed jazz guitarist and recording artist Sam Miltich and Duluth-based BOLD-choice Theatre Company.
Schedule
Welcome & Introduction – Meredith Kujala, ArcNorthland
Virtual Greeting from Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
Mayor Emily Larson
How the State Tried to Reach PWD During Pandemic – Mai Thor, Department of Health
Effects of Pandemic on People with Disabilities – Sue Abderholden, Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota
Entertainment: Sam Miltich (jazz guitarist)
Telework as an ADA Accommodation – Peter Berg, Great Lakes ADA Center
Statements of Resilience – Opening from Cara Ruff, Independent Lifestyles, Inc.
Bold Choice Theater Group
Closing – Meredith Kujala
Registration Information
Register for this event at http://bit.ly/ada-31. Registration deadline is July 25.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. ASL and CART services will be provided. Portions will be audio described. To request additional accommodations, contact Cindy Tarshish at 651-603-2015, 1-888-630-9793, MN Relay 711, or cindyt@mcil-mn.org. Deadline for accommodation requests is July 12. StreamText captioning for the event can be found here.
Thanks to the ADA 31st Anniversary Planning Committee for their work and dedication in making this event possible.