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<DIV>-------- Original Message --------<BR>Subject: ADA Celebrations<BR>From: "Sigman, Brian" <<a href="mailto:Brian.Sigman@ct.gov">Brian.Sigman@ct.gov</a>><BR>Date: Wed, July 15, 2015 9:56 am<BR></DIV>
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<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B>SAVE THE FOLLOWING DATES </B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B>CONNECTICUT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF THE ADA </B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B>FULL DETAILS TO BE POSTED ON THE DISABILITY CALENDAR: </B></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT size=2 face=Calibri><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><A href="http://www.calendarwiz.com/ctdisabilityeventcalendar" target=_blank><FONT color=blue size=4 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><B><U>http://www.calendarwiz.com/ctdisabilityeventcalendar</U></B></SPAN></FONT></A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT size=2 face=Calibri><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><A href="http://www.calendarwiz.com/cwlist/cwlist_page.html?crd=ctdisabilityeventcalendar&mobile=1" target=_blank><FONT color=blue size=4 face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><B><U>http://www.calendarwiz.com/cwlist/cwlist_page.html?crd=ctdisabilityeventcalendar&mobile=1</U></B></SPAN></FONT></A></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><B><U>Connecticut Celebrates the ADA</U></B></DIV>
<DIV><B>July 26, 2015 will mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by President George Herbert Walker Bush.</B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>In the above photo, President George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990. From left to right, the following are pictured: Evan Kemp, Rev. Harold Wilke, President Bush, Sandra Parrino and Justin Dart, Jr. The bill signing, on the South Lawn of the White House, remains the largest in US history with 20,000 guests on the Lawn and another 24,000 in the back.</B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>The National ADA Network is spearheading efforts to celebrate the 25</B><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.65pt"><B><SUP>th</SUP></B></SPAN></FONT><B> anniversary across the US. Both formal and information family-fun events will take place across the country throughout the year. At all events, participants will be asked to once again “PLEDGE” to the ADA. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>Connecticut’s ADA affiliates, ADA Coalition of CT (ADACC), along with various cities and town, have several events planned throughout Connecticut. The following is a current list of events. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B><U>Connecticut ADA Events (partial list, events will be added as additional information is provided)</U></B><B>: </B></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 18,</B><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.65pt"><B><SUP> </SUP></B></SPAN></FONT><B>2015 (rain date is July 19, 2015): 34</B><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.65pt"><B><SUP>th</SUP></B></SPAN></FONT><B> Annual Newington Extravaganza, Newington, Mill Pond Park, 10:00-4:00 p.m. The CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance will host a table that will includes voter rights information, ADA PLEDGE cards, ADA 25 giveaways, information on the Cross Disability Alliance and lots more. </B><B>The Extravaganza is a fun-filled family day that will feature food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, fireworks, games and many other family-oriented activities. Over 100 vendors are expected to join us this year, including artists and crafters, non-profit organizations and civic groups, and local businesses. Admission and parking are free! The event will conclude with a spectacular evening fireworks display over Mill Pond Park.</B><B> For more information, please contact Michelle Lach at 860-665-8566, </B><A href="mailto:mlach@newingtonct.gov" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>mlach@newingtonct.gov</U></B></FONT></A><B>.</B></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 20-24, 2015: Ask the Advocate: Are you a person with a disability? Do you have a child with a disability? Do you have questions regarding your disability rights? If you answered “yes”, the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities will answer questions and provide disability rights materials. Sign language interpreters and Spanish speaking staff will be available. For more information, contact the CT Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities at 860-297-4300. </B></DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>Ask the Advocate dates and locations:</B></DIV>
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<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 20, 2015, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Coe Memorial Park, Torrington</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 20, 2015, 5-7 p.m., Otis Library, Norwich</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 21, 2015, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Hartford Public Library (Main branch)</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 21, 2015, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Killingly Public Library, Killingly</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 22, 2015, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., New Haven City Hall, New Haven</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 23, 2015, 1-3 p.m., Bridgeport Public Library (North branch)</B></LI>
<LI style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Silas Bronson Library, Waterbury </B></LI></UL></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 21, 2015: Latest Updates on the ADA and Employment of People with Disabilities, City of New Haven, City Hall Aldermanic Chambers 3:00pm – 5:00pm. The celebration event will be kicked-off by Mayor Toni Harp and Governor Dannel Malloy. The session is designed to provide attendees with a broad overview of the latest developments under the ADA in the areas of employment. Panelists will discuss how they have seen the application of law change since the ADA signing. The panel will be moderated by Professor Jon Bauer from the University of Connecticut School of Law and will include the following attorneys: Barbara Collins, Mary Keely, Gary Phelan and Michelle Duprey. The event is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Section. A reception will follow the event and is sponsored by Shipman & Goodwin. For more information, contact Michelle Duprey at 203-946-7651, </B><A href="mailto:mduprey@newhavenct.gov" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>mduprey@newhavenct.gov</U></B></FONT></A><B>. </B></DIV>
<DIV><B>July 22, 2015: Title II and You, How does your Municipality Measure Up? City of New Haven, City Hall Meeting Rooms 1&2, 10 a.m.–12:00p.m.</B></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>The session will explore how the ADA applies to state and local governments and how you can make your communities more accessible for people with disabilities. The presentation will be by Gretchen Knauff and Elanah Sherman from the State of Connecticut’s Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. Please contact Michelle Duprey at 203-946-7651, </B><A href="mailto:mduprey@newhavenct.gov" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>mduprey@newhavenct.gov</U></B></FONT></A><B>. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>July 22, 2015 (Rain date is July 23, 2015): City of New Britain, Walnut Hill Park, 184 West Main Street, New Britain, CT, 5:30-9:00 p.m.</B></DIV>
<DIV><B>This event is being held in collaboration with Mayor Erin E. Stewart and the New Britain Commission on Persons with Disabilities with additional sponsorship by the Substance Abuse Action Council. This ADA 25 event, held in tandem with the 8th Annual Abilities Walk & Roll, will feature a concert from 7-9 by the “Soul Sound Review” who will play in the beautiful and sparkling newly renovated historic Darius Miller Band Shell. Participants will be treated to clowns, stilt walkers, jugglers, ice cream and an ADA 25 cake, The event will start with a one mile walk/roll around the park. Participants will be asked to sign the ADA PLEDGE. For more information, contact the City of New Britain, Parks and Recreation Department at 860-826-3360.</B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>July 22, 2015: CT Bar Association’s ADA Celebration: UCONN School of Law, Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder Trial Courtroom, 45 Elizabeth St., Hartford, CT, 2:00pm– 6:00pm. </B></DIV>
<DIV><B>In celebration of the ADA, a panel of experienced labor and employment practitioners, skilled in representing both employers and employees, will present a review highlighting major decisions and the evolution of reasonable accommodations in the workplace. The presentation will be followed by a 5:00 p.m. reception. You will learn best practices for attorneys to avoid pitfalls when helping clients to meet ADA requirements or to enforce their rights under the Act. In addition, the presentation will discuss the role of technology in complying with the ADA and about developments in this area of the law. Moderator: Schin S. Pandya, UCONN School of Law. The event is for labor and employment attorneys of all levels and for attorneys who may benefit from an increased awareness and knowledge of the ADA. </B><A href="http://www.ctbar.org/event/ADAat25" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>http://www.ctbar.org/event/ADAat25</U></B></FONT></A></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 23, 2015: Public Access and Enforcing Your Rights Under ADA, City of New Haven, City Hall, Aldermanic Chambers, 1:00-3:30 p.m. The session is designed to help members of the community assess ADA compliance of businesses and places of public accommodation. A walking tour, led by Attorney Melissa Marshall of the Ct Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance, will stop at several local businesses to discuss structural and non-structural barriers. Immediately following the walking tour, a panel discussion on how to exercise your rights for access to public places both under the ADA and state statue. Opening remarks will be made by Assistant US Attorney, Ndidi Moses, Connecticut’s US Attorneys Office. Panelists will include Kevin Barry from Quinnipiac Law School and Attorneys Kimberly Jacobsen and Michelle Dumas Keuler from the Commission on Human Rights & Opportunities. A reception, sponsored by the CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance will follow the panel. For more information, contact Michelle Duprey at 203-946-7651 </B><A href="mailto:mduprey@newhavenct.gov" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>mduprey@newhavenct.gov</U></B></FONT></A><B>.</B></DIV>
<DIV><B>July 23, 2015 (rain or shine): West Haven/Milford ADA Committee and the City of West Haven, Savin Rock Conference Center on the Boardwalk, 6 Rock Street, West Haven, CT, 6:00-9 p.m. </B></DIV>
<DIV><B>This event is a collaboration with the West Haven/Milford Joint ADA 25 Committee and the City of West Haven. At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Edward M. O’Brien will present his ADA 25 Proclamation declaring it ADA day in West Haven. A ceremony will be held to raise the ADA 25 flag. The event will coincide with the popular Savin Rock Festival. Event participants will be asked to sign the ADA PLEDGE cards and will be treated to an ADA 25 anniversary cake. A picnic, for invited guests, will be held and live music will be played from 5:30-8:30 p.m. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>Members of the public of all ages will have an opportunity to try adaptive cycling on recumbent bikes. Participants can also have their picture taken with a mural/screen of the official 1990 signing of the ADA by President George H.W.Bush, Justin Dart and others. Adjacent to the event, and as part of the Savin Rock Festival, will be amusement rides, food booths, carnival games, more musical entertainment, and of course, the beautiful waterfront! For more information go to: </B><A href="http://www.cityofwesthaven.com/Residents-Events.htm" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>http://www.cityofwesthaven.com/Residents-Events.htm</U></B></FONT></A></DIV>
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<DIV style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt"><B>July 25, 2015: UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), 270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 181, Farmington, CT, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. The UCEDD will hold an open house to celebrate the ADA. Presenters will be determined. For more information, contact Bethanne Vergean at 860-679-1501, </B><A href="mailto:vergean@uchc.ed" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>vergean@uchc.ed</U></B></FONT></A><B>. </B></DIV>
<DIV><B>August 9, 2015: Bodie’s Place Boundless Playspace, Eisenhower Park, 725 North Street, Milford, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.</B></DIV>
<DIV><B>The ADA 25 event is geared toward children, young folks, and their parents; but is open to all. At 10:30 the Gaylord Wheelchair Tennis Team will offer a demonstration of adaptive tennis. From 10-noon, Uncle Chip will offer face painting and animal balloons.</B></DIV>
<DIV><B>From 11-1 PM Robert Messore, a children’s folk guitarist will lead participants in sign alongs. A picnic will take place from noon-1 PM with an ADA 25 anniversary cake. There will be ADA 25 balloons, and participants will be asked to sign the ADA Pledge. Children with and without disabilities will enjoy CT’s premier accessible play space.</B></DIV>
<DIV><B>For more information, please call 203-876-7427 or send an email to: </B><A href="mailto:info@bodiesplace.org" target=_blank><FONT color=blue><B><U>info@bodiesplace.org</U></B></FONT></A><B>. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>October 2-3, 2015: Building A Great Life: Celebrating the 25</B><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.65pt"><B><SUP>th</SUP></B></SPAN></FONT><B> Anniversary of the ADA and the 40</B><FONT size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.65pt"><B><SUP>th</SUP></B></SPAN></FONT><B> Anniversary of the IDEA, Farmington Marriott, Farmington, CT </B></DIV>
<DIV><B>The two-day conference is for families, self-advocates and professionals. The conference is sponsored by: CT Council on Developmental Disabilities, UCONN Center of Excellence, Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, CT Office of Early Childhood, CT Family Support Network, PATH/Parent to Parent and Family Voices of CT, FAVOR, Inc., CT Parent Advocacy Center, and Abilis. For more information, please contact the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities at 860-418-6000. </B></DIV>
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<DIV><B>If you know of other ADA events, please contact Debbie Melaragno at:</B></DIV>
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