With more than 400 people registered to participate in the ADA 30th Anniversary / National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 75th Anniversary virtual event, participants experienced a new and novel way to celebrate. The free, online 90-minute event offered attendees a variety of presentations, education, artist works, and reason for celebration.
We are grateful to all those who served as presenters, providing expertise and insight, artistic inspiration, heartfelt commentary, and civic leadership. This truly successful virtual gathering was made accessible thanks to the technological expertise of a team from Minnesota State, Metropolitan State University, and the Assistive Technology Lab at St. Cloud State University. Thanks also to all the organizations who served as host sponsors and to the planning committee for their commitment to creating this important event.
The ADA 30th Anniversary/NDEAM 75th Anniversary video is now available!
We invite you to revisit the presentation. Please note, due to unfortunate technology issues beyond our control during the live stream, we have modified this version with an improved recording. Please enjoy!
Keynote Remarks:
Minnesota Humanities Center CEO Kevin Lindsey is working to use the humanities to create a just society that is curious (open-minded), connected (mutual destiny), and compassionate (committed to action). As the former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights under Governor Dayton, he was a steadfast advocate in many forums for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
This powerful keynote presentation led by Kevin Lindsey will feature Keep Moving Forward participants Adonia Kyle and Bart.
- Adonia Kyle, BIpoc and LGBTQIA+, “People are left out of these conversations, so let’s talk about it.”
- Bart, “Having a conversation can change a life.”
Keep Moving Forward explores what’s better and what needs improvement for people with disabilities since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Together we keep moving toward full access and inclusion in all aspects of life. Keep Moving Forward is supported by AMPERS, Minnesota Council on Disability, The Minnesota Humanities Center, and the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
Featured Presenters:
Barry Taylor, Vice President for Civil Rights and Systemic Litigation and Rachel Weisberg, Staff Attorney, both from Equip for Equality present:
30 Years of Employment Rights & The ADA:
Where We’ve Been; Where We Are and Where We’re Going: Over the past three decades, courts have decided many landmark ADA cases that have forever changed the landscape for people with disabilities. This webinar will review pivotal historical ADA decisions, analyze the current state of the law, and consider what we might see in the future, including as new issues arise, such as COVID-19. Don’t miss what is sure to be a thought-provoking celebration!
Special guest performers:
Disabled artist/dance/choreographer Alice Sheppard. Kinetic Light, founded in 2016 by Sheppard, is a project-based ensemble, working at the intersections of disability, dance, design, identity, and technology. The event will feature a piece from DESCENT. Combining dance, architecture, design, and technology, the work challenges cultural assumptions of what disability, dance, and beauty can be. For more info: https://kineticlight.org/
Minneapolis artist Dupree Edwards is an aspiring actor, freestyle rap artist, and KFAI radio host of Dupe Ed where he raised awareness of disability issues. While attending the Transition Plus program for Minneapolis Public Schools, he started a Talent Show for people with disabilities. Dupree is currently an apprentice teaching artist with Upstream Arts and also serves on the Governor’s Council of Developmental Disabilities.
The event will feature a video message from former Senator Tom Harkin.
Vincent Peterson, a Metropolitan State University student pursuing a degree in computer science will save as emcee for the 90-minute program.
Agenda:
- Celebration Emcee, Vincent Peterson
- ADA Anniversary Message, Senator Tom Harkin
- Keynote Address from Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Humanities Center Chief Executive Officer and featuring “Keep Moving Forward” participants Adonia Kyle and Bart
- Proclamation
- Musical performance by Dupree Edwards, rapper and teaching artist
- “30 Years of Employment Rights & The ADA: Where We’ve Been; Where We Are and Where We’re Going,” presented by Barry Taylor, Vice President for Civil Rights And Systemic Litigation, and Rachel Weisberg, Staff Attorney, both from Equip for Equality
- Dance performance by Alice Sheppard, Founder of Kinetic Light
- Close and Thank You from Vincent Peterson
A big thank you to our sponsors, our Committee Celebration Hosts, and to Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State for their technical support in hosting this virtual event