A new national non-profit organization called RespectAbility has just launched, with the mission of reshaping attitudes of American society and empowering people with disabilities so that they can more fully participate in and contribute to society. According to their website, “RespectAbility will work to educate, sensitize and engage Americans to focus on what people with disabilities can do, rather than on what they cannot do. RespectAbility thereby will seek to help increase the number and percentage of Americans with disabilities who engage in gainful employment, start and sustain their own businesses, lift themselves into the middle class, and participate in their communities — as fully as their abilities and efforts will take them.” The organization has already announced trainings for disability leaders and funders and fellowships for future disability leaders.

July 26, 2013

The public is invited to attend this free event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The celebration will occur on Friday, July 26 from 1pm-3pm. at the Elmer L. Anderson Human Services Building located at 540 Cedar Street in St. Paul, MN.

The program will include the following informative presentations: What is happening in Minnesota regarding the Olmstead Act by Gregory Gray, Minnesota Department of Human Services; An update on recent Service Animal legislation by Jill Keen, Minnesota Department of Human Rights; and Increasing hiring opportunities for people with disabilities by Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Entertaining storytelling will also be provided by Amy Salloway, a Minneapolis actor, writer and storyteller. Light refreshments will also be provided. ASL interpreters will be present.

Event hosts for the ADA Celebration include: Access Press; ADA Minnesota; Disability Viewpoints; Metropolitan Center for Independent Living; Minnesota Department of Human Services; Minnesota State Council on Disability; Minnesota State Services for the Blind; DHS Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services; VSA Minnesota; and several local volunteers.

For more information, or to request accommodations, contact Cindy Tarshish at 651-603-2015 or cindyt@mcil-mn.org