Celebration of ADA passage scheduled

Nearly 27 years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990.

27 years and one day later, on Thursday, July 27, local organizations and community members will celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, a key civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

The ADA Committee celebration kicks off at the Kallet Civic Center beginning at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude with a march around Downtown Oneida at 11 a.m.

In addition to the march, special guest speaker Matt Hamill will be in attendance for a meet-and-greet as he joins the ceremonies. Hammill is a deaf UFC and MMA fighter and wrestler. Born deaf, Hamill serves as an inspiration in the disability community and the 2010 movie “The Hammer” is based on his early life and wrestling career.

Fol lowing the special meet-and-greet with Hamill, programming with local leaders and other guest speakers will follow.

The City of Oneida Common Council unanimously approved the ADA Anniversary ceremony at its last meeting on Wednesday, July 5.

“I encourage everyone to attend,” Ward 1 Councilor Al Cohen said at the meeting.

The ADA Committee is comprised of: The Arc of Madison Cortland, ARISE CNY, Madison County Motivators, Heritage Farm, INC. and Liberty Resources.

FILE PHOTOS — ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH Left: In this file photo, members of the community join with the ADA Committee to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the passage of the ADA. Right: The ADA Committee and community will celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Thursday, July 27.