Reflections on the ADA: Past, Present and Future

**Special Session in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act**

2020 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark civil rights legislation impacted the lives of millions of people with disabilities in the United States through improved access to employment, government services and programs, and goods and services from businesses. This session will feature two unique perspectives on the evolution, current status, and future direction of the law. Disability rights attorney, John Wodatch, served 42 years in the Federal government, where he co-authored the ADA’s comprehensive disability rights regulations and created and led the Department of Justice's section in charge of enforcing the law. As the former director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, Marian Vessels brings her professional experience educating governments, businesses and individuals on rights and responsibilities under the ADA. She also provides her personal perspective as an individual with a disability before and after the ADA’s passage. Join us for a lively discussion of the ADA’s history, enforcement and significance in our communities.

Registration

• This webinar will be presented via the Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing platform.

• A telephone conference option will also available should you choose not to use the webinar platform. 

• Information on accessing the webinar platform and the telephone conference number will be provided prior to the session.

For this special ADA Anniversary session, Certificates of Participation will be offered for no charge.

Continuing Education Recognition Available:

• Certificate of Participation

• Please consult our Continuing Education Recognition for webinars page for more information on the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center's policies and procedures.

First time Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing System V12.6 users:
We recommend that you prepare your technology prior to the session. The webinar platform requires the most current versions of software. Depending on your organizational policies you may need the assistance of your IT Staff if firewalls prevent you from downloading files. If you plan to log into the on-line webinar system to view the presentation, access captioning and/or submit questions it is important that you follow the instructions for checking your computer system to ensure that it is configured correctly and you have the necessary software to access the webinar platform. Visit Blackboard Collaborate Installation and follow the instructions to check your system's configuration. We recommend you do this well in advance of the session to allow for any necessary troubleshooting.

Screen Reader Users: 
Individuals who are using Screen Reader Software should review the instructions and information available on-line at: Accessibility Guide for Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing.

Real-Time Captioning and American Sign Language: 
Will be provided via the Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing System.

Webinar Handouts:

• Handouts will be available prior to the scheduled date.