Buffalo, NY Part of National ADA25 Legacy Tour Bus

The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to host the ADA25 Legacy Tour and Reception on Wednesday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m., 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The ADA25 Legacy Tour is a cross country trip raising awareness about the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The reception event will include a presentation, along with an opportunity for photos to be taken in front of the ADA25 Legacy tour bus and to view displays inside the Museum highlighting photographer Tom Olin’s iconic photos and milestones in the disability rights movement. Just as thousands have done during the ADA25 Legacy Tour’s journey, attendees will have a chance to add their signature to the ADA quilt.

Even speakers include: Rhonda Frederick, president and chief executive officer, People Inc.; Mark J.F. Schroeder, comptroller, City of Buffalo; Shannon Patch, WNY Regional Director for Senator Charles Schumer; Tom Olin, photojournalist and director, The Disability Rights Center; Michael Rembis, PhD, director, University at Buffalo Center for Disability Studies and B.J. Stasio, self-advocate and a witness of the original signing of the ADA. Following the speakers will include short videos featuring Museum of disABILITY History Docents who have disabilities. 

In conjunction with the University at Buffalo Center for Disability Studies, the Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to host the ADA25 Legacy Tour on April 29 and 30, with a reception on April 29. Prior to Buffalo, the tour will be coming from Grand Rapids, Michigan and then traveling to Morgantown, West Virginia. The tour will travel to other states and culminate with disability community leaders in Washington DC on July 26, 2015.

The Museum’s Self-Advocacy Traveling Exhibit complements the tour as the ADA25 Legacy project spreads awareness, preserves the past and celebrates the achievements of individuals with disabling conditions. The exhibit’s four-panel banner stand traces the Self-Advocacy Movement from early educational facilities to the development of organizations established for and by individuals with disabilities. 

The ADA Legacy Tour is a traveling exhibit designed to raise public awareness and generate excitement about ADA25 and is produced by The ADA Legacy Project, Disability Rights Center, ADA National Network and the Museum of disABILITY History. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications and governmental activities. The ADA also establishes requirements for telecommunications relay services.

As part of the event and in celebration of the ADA turning 25, there will be free admission to the Museum on April 29 and 30.

The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.