Chances are you’ve heard about the Americans with Disabilities Act, commonly referred to as the ADA. Passed into law in 1990, it provides sweeping protections against discrimination in several key areas, including employment, public services, telecommunications, transportation and public and private spaces.
Before the ADA was enacted, people with disabilities faced daily challenges with actions that most of us take for granted, like being able to move about freely in a store, use public transportation or even talk to a friend on the phone. The ADA works to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities to thrive without added struggles and frustration.
As an enthusiastic supporter of diversity and inclusion, Oakland County is pleased to mark this milestone by hosting the Access for All: ADA Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Oakland County Circuit Court courtyard. Everyone is invited to this fun and festive program, which will feature:
- Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
- Guest speaker: Oakland County Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Harry Weaver, who has served as a champion in the DEI space for more than 20 years by working at the Chippewa Valley School District in Clinton Township, at the Anti-Defamation League of Michigan as the education director and a certified trainer and as an independent DEI consultant
- Keynote speaker: Walk the Line Recovery Therapy President and Cofounder Erica Coulston, who was 23 years old in 2001 when she survived a car accident and sustained a spinal cord injury
- Spoken word performer: Poet and disability advocate Jo Banooni, whose work explores their lived experience with a disability
- Emcee: Oakland County Human Resources Logistics Coordinator Mary Skvarce
- Inclusive activities and adaptive sports demonstrations
- Yard games for all ages and abilities
- Food trucks
- Meet-and-greet tables with local organizations that support individuals with disabilities
“Our speakers are very passionate about protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and have many lived experiences to share,” Oakland County Parks Recreation Program Supervisor Sandy Dorey said. “Their personal stories are compelling and will demonstrate ways that all of us can support inclusivity.”
A certified therapeutic recreation specialist, Dorey leads the OCP Adaptive Recreation team, which provides inclusive services so that individuals with disabilities can participate in any OCP program or event. Partnering with more than 30 nonprofit agencies, schools and disabled sports organizations, OCP provides a diverse range of recreational options.
Many strides have been made over the years, but while celebrating the 36th anniversary of the ADA, we must acknowledge that our advocacy work isn’t done. Since 1990, many growing technologies — particularly the internet and digital communication — have continued to present challenges for people with disabilities. As more services move online, ensuring that websites, mobile apps and digital communication are accessible for everyone remains a priority for Oakland County.
Access for All will be presented in partnership with the Adaptive Recreation team and SHiNE, Oakland County’s employee resource group dedicated to advancing disability advocacy, inclusion and accessibility.
Oakland County offers residents quality, affordable housing in welcoming neighborhoods with access to parks and recreation, public transportation, and healthy food as part of the Livable Neighborhoods goal in our five-year roadmap. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and X for updates.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.