ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office, along with the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity, the Center for Independent Living, and MV Transportation are hosting an ADA Expo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Expo is on Thursday, July 23, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 N.W. 34th Blvd, Gainesville). Lunch will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Employers are especially encouraged to attend and/or send HR personnel. Free accessible transportation will be provided upon request; advance registration required.
Passed on July 26, 1990, the ADA mandates equal opportunity/equal access for individuals with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation and telecommunications.
This year’s theme is “Faces of the ADA.” The event will feature guest speaker Jack D. Humburg (of the Boley Center in St. Petersburg, Florida). Mr. Humburg will provide a brief overview of the ADA, including amendments that impact businesses employing 15 or more people, including part-time and temporary workers.
A panel discussion by individuals with disabilities will follow. The panelists will discuss what the ADA means to them (the impact on their daily lives, opportunity to participate in social/civic life, enjoy the benefits of employment, and access to the goods and services of private businesses).
Special to this year’s 25th anniversary event will be recognition of local businesses that promote disability-friendly customer service.
Businesses, agencies and organizations will be on hand to display their accessible products and provide information on services available for individuals with disabilities. Individuals will be able to register with Alachua County Emergency Management Office for special needs assistance in the event of a hurricane or disaster, and experience accessible voting machines with the Supervisor of Elections Office.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275, or the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity at 352-334-5051.