Community celebrates 23 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

It's been more than two decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law and while communities like Iowa City are still celebrating, disability advocates said there's still more work to be done to improve public awareness about all forms of disabilities.

Kate Jacobsen, executive director of Access 2 Independence, said the law shed light on the needs of individuals with disabilities – from physical to mental.

“It made such a big difference in people's lives,” she said. “It brought to the forefront that people weren't equal.”

Access 2 Independence along with several other advocate organizations for disabilities hosted Johnson County's 23 Americans with Disabilities Act celebration in Iowa City's Chancy Swan Park on Saturday morning.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law in 1990, established all individuals with disabilities have equal access to a variety of opportunities and shouldn't be discriminated against in employment, transportation and other public accommodations and services.

Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin who is slated to retire after his current term is well-known as a disabilities advocate and for drafting the 1990 law.

Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa and Iowa 2

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District Rep. Dave Loebsack spoke at the Saturday morning. Loebsack lauded Harkin's work and stressed that in a time of budget constraints they are their best advocate to ensure funding and policies that keep in mind those with disabilities.

“These folks need to have the same opportunity as everyone else to have access to good jobs, education, and life opportunities,” Loebsack told The Gazette.

Geoffrey Lauer, executive director of Brain Injury Alliance, said continual public education is important to bring awareness to the many forms of disabilities.

“We're still trying to conceptualize the ramps in people's minds and hearts so that people have access to social, educational and work opportunities,” Lauer said.

The event also included a talent show and several sporting events. Jacobsen said having the celebration outside and next to the annual Iowa City Farmer's Market brings together all members of the public to learn more about disabilities.

“It's a way for people to be exposed to the talents of people with disability,” she said.