Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Atlantic County Celebrates 25 Years of the ADA

Atlantic County will join in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by recognizing outstanding residents with disabilities who have attained significant personal achievement and have made a difference in the lives of others.

The ADA legislation was signed into law on July 26, 1990 to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life.

“Much progress has been made over the last 25 years and Atlantic County remains committed to the principles of equality and inclusion for all citizens,” stated Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Executive.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Donald J. Sykes Award, named in memory of the former chairman of the Atlantic County Disability Advisory Board and an active community advocate. The awards presentation will be held in October during Disabilities Awareness Month.

Nominees must be Atlantic County residents and have a disability as defined by the ADA. All submitted letters will be reviewed for eligibility by members of the Advisory Board. Nominees should be exemplary citizens who generously give of themselves to make Atlantic County a better place. Individuals of all ages may be nominated.

Nomination letters must be postmarked by August 31, 2015 and should include a description of the individual’s personal qualities, accomplishments and contributions, as well as the nominee’s address and phone number. In addition, the person submitting the nomination should include his/her own name and contact information.

Nominations may be mailed to: Kathy Quish, Atlantic County Intergenerational Services, Shoreview Building, 101 S. Shore Road, Northfield, NJ 08225. For further information, call 645-7700 ext. 4519 (TTY use NJ Relay, 1-800-852-7899).

To learn more about the ADA’s 25th anniversary and the services available to people with disabilities in Atlantic County, visit www.aclink.org/intergenerational.

Click here to learn more.

County News