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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The Act became law in 1990.

“The Act really opened doors and has given people opportunities and choices that otherwise they would not have had,” said Kyle Mutz, director of the Disability Resource Center at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. “It has really helped people who wouldn’t be able to get an education and leveled the playing field, which has allowed people with disabilities to live a life like everyone else.”

During the event, Jana Daigle, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumnus  will present an overview of the ADA. A former student, Jamarcus Corks, who graduated in 2018 and now works for Â鶹ÊÓƵ, and two undergraduate students - Holly Westbrook and Richard Guy -  will talk about how the ADA has impacted their lives. There will also be a short Q & A session as well as a video showcasing Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Disability Resource Center.

Chris Catalina, personnel director for the City of Beaumont will offer a special greeting on behalf of Mayor Becky Ames, and Dr. Cindy Stinson, director of Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, will address the importance of celebrating the ADA.

“This celebration shows the community Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s dedication to people with disabilities in terms of equality,” said Mutz. “It also showcases what Â鶹ÊÓƵ has done to support access and gives individuals an opportunity to show the impact the Act has had on them and brings people together to show what the act has done for peoples’ lives.”

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Disability Resource Center is a unit of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Intercultural Affairs. For more information about this event or about the Disability Resource Center, please contact Kyle Mutz at 409.880.8347 or go online to the Disability Resource Center.