MADISON WELCOMES THE SPIRIT OF ADA TORCH RELAY

U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR JANICE R. LACHANCE TO LEAD FESTIVITIES CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

On Friday, July 7, The Spirit of ADA Torch Relay arrives in Madison and challenges local communities to renew the pledge America made when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were passed into law. One thousand participants and spectators will join in this historic national celebration.

Madison is the 10th stop along a 24-city cross country tour reaching out to communities raising awareness about issues affecting people with disabilities and the progress that has been made since the signing of the IDEA and the ADA. To celebrate our city's commitment to create an environment that works for everyone, a number of special events have been planned. Opening ceremony is planned for 10-11 a.m. at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Following comments from national, state and local dignitaries, Janice R. Lachance, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director, will present a keynote address.

After the ceremony, a team of over 60 torch bearers will each carry the lighted torch for 1/8 of a mile along Madison bike routes. An open house at the Kohl Center from noon to 3:00 p.m. will include accessibility tours; a Disability Return to Work Forum, an invitation-only event sponsored by the Madison Social Security Administration Office; exhibits by Madison-area recreational organizations; and a display on Consumer Protection issues for people with disabilities, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; a technology display and demonstration; a job fair and federal agency displays. The close of the day's events will take place at Vilas Park with a picnic from 3-6 pm, including free food, family entertainment, and a display of relay caravan vehicles and the torch.

"We are thrilled to bring The Spirit of ADA Torch Relay to Madison to celebrate the many achievements and contributions that have made a difference for the community," said Andrew Imparato, CEO of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD), national host sponsor of the relay. "This relay and the other activities highlight the importance of relationships between the people with disabilities and the broader communities where they live."

The Spirit of ADA Torch Relay strives to connect, inform, educate and involve the 54 million Americans living with disabilities and their communities. The 25th anniversary of the IDEA and The 10th anniversary of the ADA offer a spotlight to heighten awareness of the importance of both laws. The torch relay acknowledges the achievements and contributions of local leaders and members of the disability community who recognized the need to support access-in all forms-for all Americans.

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