MADISON HEIGHTS—On July 13, 2024, community members and stakeholders will celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The ADA, signed into law in 1990, protects the rights of people with disabilities and has made our communities more accessible for everyone.
People with disabilities and allies will be out showing their ADA Pride at the Madison Heights’ Civic Center Park. This family-friendly event is organized by The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (MISILC), the City of Madison Heights Arts Board, the Madison Heights Human Relations and Equity Commission, and Disability Network Eastern Michigan. The event will feature live music, art activities, accessible yard games, a food truck, and more.
“There is still much that needs to be done to make society accessible for all,” says Jamia Davis, MISILC Executive Committee Chair and Council Member. “But the ADA helped to address challenges that many people with disabilities face such as accessing and using public restrooms and public transportation. These are the kinds of things that many people without disabilities take for granted. The ADA really helped to shine a light on such inequities.”
“This is such a fun event,” says Emilie Rohrbach, Madison Heights City Councilmember and the Alternate Council Representative for the Human Relations and Equity Commission. “Key to progress is the kind of visibility an event like the annual ADA Anniversary Celebration affords. I encourage community members to come and experience this joyous celebration of a truly diverse community.”
Julia LaGrand, a classical violinist from Grand Rapids, will be the event’s featured musical performer. LaGrand is member of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD) and is a student at the world renowned New England Conservatory. She has won a number of awards and has soloed with orchestras across the country. A leader in the arts and a disability advocate, LaGrand wants to expand classical music and create a more accessible future.
The event will also feature gourmet grilled wraps from Hazel Park’s The Grilled Wrap food truck and ice cream from Ferndale’s Treat Dreams.
Event partners include MI Alliance for Families, Play-Place Autism & Special Needs Center, Transportation Riders United, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Disability Rights Michigan, Autism Alliance of Michigan, Disability Law Group, Fair Housing Center of Metro Detroit, and Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.
The ADA Pride Celebration is Saturday, July 13 from 1-4 PM at the Madison Heights Civic Center Park (360 W 13 Mile Road). More details are available at https://www.misilc.org/
MISILC focuses on advocacy and uses resident and stakeholder input to create the State Plan for Independent Living, which outlines disability-related goals and objectives for Michigan. Disability Network Eastern Michigan and other Centers for Independent Living provide information and referral services, education, recreational and social opportunities, and more for people with disabilities in their regions. Together, they’re excited to work with the City of Madison Heights on this event to raise awareness and celebrate disability pride.
