Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office along with the City of Gainesville Equal Opportunity Office, the Center for Independent Living and the Alachua County School Board will host an ADA Expo to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Expo will be held from noon - 4 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Sidney Lanier Center (312 NW 16^th Avenue, Gainesville). Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. - noon. It is free and open to the public.

Passed in July 1990, the ADA creates an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, education, transportation and accommodations.

This 5th Annual ADA Expo will feature agencies and organizations that offer service to individuals with disabilities. Many vendors will also be present displaying the latest assistive technology devices, methods and information in health, accessibility or accommodation.  This year's theme is, "Towards Independence: Employability, Technology & Quality of Life" and will focus on employment, and availability of quality of life options for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals will also be able to register with Alachua County Emergency Management for special needs assistance in the event of a hurricane or disaster. Participants are invited to experience accessible voting machines, hosted by the Supervisor of Elections Office.

Free transportation will be available for persons with special needs.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office 352-374-5275, or the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity 352-393-8481.

If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.