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 21st anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Expo will be held from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Sidney Lanier Center (312 NW 16^th Avenue, Gainesville). It is free and open to the public. Employers & small business owners are especially encouraged to attend.

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

This 7th Annual ADA Expo will feature agencies, businesses 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, " Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?" Speakers will discuss how to prepare for and what to do in the event of a hurricane, tornado or other emergency.  The Area Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida will also address Economic Recovery Assistance programs for Small Businesses.  

Individuals will also be able to register with Alachua County Emergency Management for special needs assistance in the event of an emergency. 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 through MV Transport.

For more information or to RSVP by July 15th, 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.