This year marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Originally passed in 1990, the ADA outlawed discrimination against those with disabilities and created accessibility requirements in all public life. Disabled people and their families still face challenges with access, accommodations, and ableism. Creating a more just and inclusive community for all requires us to be aware of how we can make our community more accessible.

On July 15, the City of St. Louis Park passed a proclamation observing National Disability Independence Day, July 26, 2024.

Proclamation

The proclamation reads:

Whereas, 2024 marks 34 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, making access to public spaces a right and discrimination against people with disabilities illegal; and

Whereas, St. Louis Park is home to a diversity of residents, including our disabled neighbors, coworkers, students and friends; and

Whereas, National Disability Independence Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in our city, state and country, especially the struggles that led to the signing of the ADA; and

Whereas, we all benefit from the changes brought by the ADA such as the accessibility of sidewalks, automated doors, mandatory elevators and closed captioning; and

Whereas, July 26th is commemorated as “National Disability Independence Day” and highlights the importance of independence for people with disabilities; and

Whereas, discrimination against those with disabilities (ableism) still exists on an interpersonal and systemic level, impacting access to employment, public life, and personal and economic independence; and

Whereas, challenging ableism and supporting access in our everyday spaces contributes to St. Louis Park’s strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a just community for all,

Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe National Disability Independence Day on July 26, 2024, in our community.