News & Events

Disability Forum set to offer leading authorities on key issues
 

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Chris Book  815.744.6815

Special Event for disabled adults, seniors and veterans planned to mark local “Accessibility Awareness Week” and 18th Anniversary of the ADA

JULY 1, 2008, Joliet, Illinois – As the region prepares to commemorate “Accessibility Awareness Week” July 20-27, and the country marks the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a local non-profit agency is hosting an unprecedented event to help disabled adults, seniors and veterans seeking news and resources on a wide range of disability issues.  On Wednesday, July 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., leading authorities on County, State and federal initiatives will take part in “The 2008 Disability Forum.”   The free event, coordinated by the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living and its Accessible Cities Alliance, will be held at Republic Hall, 113 Republic Avenue in Joliet.  Box lunches and beverages will be provided to individuals who call the Center at 815.729.0162 (V) or 815.729.2085 (TTY) by July 17.

A widely-respected expert on disability law, Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center at UIC, will open the program with an overview of the “Realities and Restoration of the ADA.”  Jones is also to be the recipient of the Accessible Cities Alliance 2008 Ambassador of the Year Award, for her commitment to the ACA, local businesses and government entities in creating a greater understanding of and compliance with disability laws.  Nancy Voots, Will County Clerk and the County’s Emergency Management Director Harold Damron will present valuable updates on their office’s programs directly impacting disabled individuals.  Keynote Luncheon Speaker will be Will County Executive Larry Walsh, last year’s ACA Award recipient, addressing access initiatives throughout the County.

During the afternoon sessions, Illinois Secretary of State’s Disability Liaison, Bill Bogdan, will address the “Uses and Abuses of Handicapped Parking Program,” and Illinois Treasurer’s Office Program Director, Patrick Conlon, will provide an overview of the Opportunity Illinois low-interest loan program to persons with disabilities to modify their homes, automobiles or purchase assistive technology.  Staff members from the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living will close the Forum with an overview of programs and services.

Registration on July 23 begins at 9:00 a.m.  Voter registration will be available, as will demonstrations of accessible voting equipment.  A Resource Guide compiled by the Will County Executive’s Disability Advisory Panel will be available, as well as copies of the ACA/City of Joliet Accessible Business Directory.

The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living is a non-profit United Way agency which provides information, referral, specialized services and independent living skills to persons of all ages with any disability.  The Accessible Cities Alliance, a program of the Center, is a unique coalition of disability agencies, advocates, elected officials, City of Joliet and Will County staff, as well as business, healthcare, financial, education and industry leaders.  The ACA maintains an Accessible Business Directory for the Joliet region and seeks to create partnerships with Chambers of Commerce and municipalities throughout the County to remove physical and attitudinal barriers to access for disabled consumers.   For more information, contact the Center, stop in (at 2415 West Jefferson Street in Joliet) or log onto www.will-grundycil.org or www.ada411.com.

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