ADA 30: Moving Forward

ADA 30 Moving Forward - Celebrating 30 years of the American with Disabilities Act

July 26th, 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More than 20 agencies and organizations from across the State came together to celebrate by hosting a series of virtual ADA workshops throughout the month of July, culminating in a giant, Texas-style celebration featuring stirring speeches from notable disability advocates across Texas.

Webinar Series Recordings

Curb Ramps, Sidewalks, Oh My! Navigating the public rights of way in Texas
Presented on July 7, 2020
This session discussed the efforts of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to investigate the current state of pedestrian facilities in the public right of way to determine the level of accessibility and to propose remediation required by the ADA Transition Plan.

The ADA at 30 - Disability Rights and the Digital Future: A conversation with Sharron Rush and Lainey Feingold
Presented on July 8, 2020
Digital resources are critical to participation in the modern work of remote working, learning, civil engagement, and socializing. This session addressed ways the future could adapt to technology and inclusion.

Knowing Your Rights: How to Effectively File an ADA Complaint
Presented on July 14, 2020
Experts discussed the complaint process in four areas: ADA Title I, Employment; ADA Title II, Public Entities; ADA Title III, Public Accommodations; and Programs serving Texans through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This session included a Q&A.

Disclosing Disability: When, Why and How?
Presented on July 15, 2020
Deciding whether to disclose your disability can be a nerve-wracking decision. Some people choose to disclose because they will need accommodations for an interview or to train for the job. Others choose not to out of fear an interview may never be offered or that their disability will become the focus of the interview. This session focused on the factors to consider when deciding whether to disclose your disability to a potential employer.

Get Your Point Across: Inclusive Presentations for Any Audience
Presented on July 16, 2020
This class covered preparing for and presenting to all audiences, large or small, at conferences or in meetings. It features tips on preparing accessible materials, choosing an accessible location, and presenting in an accessible way.

ADA30: Employment Opportunities and Vocational Rehabilitation
Presented on July 17, 2020 at 10am
Title I of the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against a qualified applicant with a disability. Texas Workforce Commission - Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VRS) assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain and advance in employment. VRS can also assist employers with information about how to create an inclusive workplace and can make referrals to employers of qualified individuals with disabilities. This webinar provides an overview of how VRS aligns with the ADA by assisting individuals in achieving their employment goals and employers in building a strong talent pipeline.

Don't Lose Your Federal Funding: Helping State and Local Governments Develop and Update their ADA Transition Plans
Presented on July 22, 2020 at 10am
Do you have a complete and comprehensive ADA Transition Plan? This session covered the basics of making sure you agency is protected before being denied federal funding.

Reducing Risk While Building Market Share: Your Company’s Approach to the ADA
Presented on July 22, 2020 at 2pm
Learn what approaches are needed in order for your business to be in compliance and how to include this added value into your marketing strategy.

Outside for Everyone – Adaptive Recreation
Presented on July 23, 2020
This session from Texas Parks and Wildlife highlights adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities. The Lonestar Paralysis Foundation and the City of Austin shared some of the unlimited indoor and outdoor sports opportunities that exists for people with disabilities.

ADA 30th Moving Forward
(Video with Audio Description)
Presented on July 24, 2020
This session featured inspiring speeches from notable disability activists on their experience with the ADA—what it was like to see it implemented, how it furthered the civil rights of Americans with disabilities, and the work left to be done. It also includes a virtual tour of Texas with brief ADA birthday wishes from across the state.

Creating Opportunities Through Accessible Transportation
Presented on July 29, 2020
Mobility challenges remain a major obstacle for individuals with disabilities. For many, limited transportation options create barriers to economic and social opportunities. Through an increased focus on innovation and harnessing technology, the mobility and transportation industry is able to create new pathways of opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

A Business to Business Conversation about Recruiting, Hiring, Accommodating and building Inclusion for Employees with Disabilities
Presented on July 29, 2020 at 2pm
Disability:IN™ is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide helping companies invigorate disability initiatives, explore best practices, incorporate culture changes, and realize positive business outcomes in the workplace, supply chain, and marketplace. The presentation featured an exchange of ideas on diversity and opportunity to share successes and challenges in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace that work in a local market.