Item Description:
title
Recognizing the 35 Year Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
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WHEREAS, signed on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA established the civil rights of all people to fully participate in society with equal opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the ADA guarantees equal access to jobs, education, transportation and government services; and
WHEREAS, the ADA ensures that residents can live their lives with maximum independence and fewer barriers; and
WHEREAS, the ADA ensures that all public agencies in Hennepin County are working toward common accessibility goals and standards; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County’s aging population increases the importance of an inclusive and accessible transportation system and society; and
WHEREAS, the county’s investment in transit, walking and biking infrastructure supports a transportation system that meets the needs of people no matter their age or ability; and
WHEREAS, investing in the services and infrastructure required by the ADA reduces disparities between those with disabilities and those without; and
WHEREAS, the ADA includes digital accessibility, and the county commits to continuing to improve digital accessibility by establishing a digital accessibility policy, providing training and learning opportunities for employees who work on digital products, creating a design system that is rooted in accessibility, and centering accessibility in digital service design and development; and
WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act aims to ensure everyone has access to fully participate in society, including the roughly 129,000 people in Hennepin County who have a disability.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners herby recognizes the milestone of 35 years since the ADA was signed into law to recognize how inclusive and responsive the ADA has helped our systems to be, to recommit our prioritization of ensuring that all residents in Hennepin County can navigate the county without physical strain, and to promote a more accessible and equitable experience for all residents in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval