30th Anniversary of the passage of the ADA

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minnesota council on disability
30 ADA Logo - Americans with Disabilities Act. Celebrate the ADA July 26, 2020 - 1990 - 2020
MN Gov Tim Walz with Mask Up MN Stay Safe MN logo

 

Disability Rights ARE Civil Rights

 

July 26, 2020 - Message from Governor Walz commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA 

Even as we celebrate the ADA, we know that equality for people with disabilities in the law doesn't always protect them in equality in everyday life.

More than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Minnesotans with disabilities are fully included in our communities.

Click HERE for video message from Governor Tim Walz

Full text of video content follows:

Hello, Minnesota, Governor Walz here. Thirty years ago today, disability rights were etched into federal law with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Like the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, at all public and private places that are open to the general public.

This Act reminds us what we already know to be true; disability rights, are civil rights. But even as we celebrate the ADA, we know that equality for people with disabilities in the law - doesn't always protect them in equality in everyday life. People with disabilities, continue to face systemic ableism, as well as conscious and unconscious biases. People with disabilities make up 20% of the US population and are contributing members of Minnesota and the US economy and our workforce. However, disability discrimination is one of the most common bases of discrimination in our state - especially in employment.

We also know that individuals with disabilities, particularly people with disabilities who are people of color, indigenous, transgender and women are affected by intersectional discrimination, a type of discrimination that targets multiple aspects of an individual's identity. And as our state continues to battle the pandemic, we know the regular challenges faced by Minnesota with disabilities have only increased. Folks with disabilities are at greater risk of complications from COVID-19. They also face exacerbated difficulty in obtaining the regular care and services that they need. More than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Minnesotans with disabilities are fully included in our communities.

We are committed to our partnership with the disability community, to ensure that everyone has access to the support and services that they need to live their fullest lives. We're here to listen. We're here to lift up your voices, and we're here to move forward with you.

Thank you.

State of MN Proclamation

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DAY

 

WHEREAS:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990, to secure and protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

Nearly one in four people have a disability, and people with disabilities make tremendous contributions to Minnesota’s art, culture, economy, and communities. Inclusive and accessible spaces in public, businesses, and government will ensure these contributions continue.

WHEREAS:

Minnesota affirms the values of equity and inclusion for people with disabilities as part of the vibrant and diverse make-up of Minnesota’s communities; and

WHEREAS:

Minnesota recognizes the intersectional identities of people with disabilities and the impact that the ADA has in achieving a discrimination-free society in many areas of their lived experiences; and

WHEREAS:

The passage of the ADA has roots in Minnesota law and policy dating back more than 50 years, including Minnesota U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger serving as one of the main authors of the law; and

WHEREAS:

Celebrating what the ADA has accomplished thus far and committing to its continued implementation is a shared responsibility of all Minnesotans to achieve civil rights for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS:

As we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA, Minnesota must reinforce its efforts, policies, and practices to be fully inclusive of people with disabilities in order to end systemic ableism in our state.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Sunday, July 26, 2020, as:

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DAY in the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 24th day of July.

Signed by GOVERNOR TIM WALZ

Signed by SECRETARY OF STATE Steve Simon

Filed on July 24, 2020
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon


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