The ADA Legacy Tour - June 19: Bloomington, IN

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will turn twenty-five on July 26, 2015. And a big anniversary deserves a BIG celebration! That's why we're partnering with individuals and organizations around the country to prepare for 2015. How will YOU celebrate?

In recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the 40th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Monroe County History Center Community Voices Gallery will feature a 5 week exhibit on the history of disability in Monroe County.

The purpose of the exhibit is to preserve the history of the disability movement and its impact on individuals, families, and community; celebrate milestones in the development of services and supports; and educate the public about the changing role and position of individuals with disabilities in Monroe County. The exhibit includes fascinating profiles of local residents Byron Smith, Carl Selby (deceased) and Carolyn Abbitt, whose art work will also be on display in the lower gallery.

A reception to open the exhibit will occur on Friday, June 19, 12-2 pm at the History Center. All are welcome. The reception is being coordinated with a visit to Bloomington of the ADA Legacy Tour bus, which is currently visiting 50 US cities, with a culminating celebration in Washington, D.C. on July 26, 2015. The Monroe County History Center is located at 202 East 6th Street, Bloomington. Museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10-4 p.m. For more information, phone (812) 332-2517.
- See more at: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=40&newsId=542#sthash.MrXquwKn.dpuf

The ADA Legacy Tour is rolling across the country raising awareness and building excitement toward ADA25 - the 25th anniversary of the ADA in 2015! The Tour includes:

• The "Road to Freedom" ADA Bus - which traveled to 48 states in 2007 to raise support for the ADA Amendments Act - courtesy of the Disability Rights Center and driven by veteran disability rights photographer, Tom Olin;
• a four-panel display on the history of self-advocacy, courtesy of the Museum of disABILITY History;
• displays on The ADA Legacy Project and its effort to preserve of disability history; celebrate disability history milestones; and educate future generations of disability advocates;
• a "Because of the ADA . . ." booth where you can post your thoughts and photos to illustrate the difference the ADA has made in your life;
• the ADA quilt - add your signature to thousands of others who have participated in the Tour;
• displays on the history of the Road to Freedom Tour;
• an information table with handouts on The ADA Legacy Project and the ADA, plus information from our partners and sponsors; and
• events, workshops, artifacts, and other programming provided by local hosts.

Six of the Tour stops will be housed at the Abilities Expo, one of our major Tour partners. These stops will include a workshop on the ADA, courtesy of the ADA National Network.

Each stop will have a unique theme and purpose.  Join the ADA Legacy Tour on June 19 in Bloomington, IN!