Alan Gunzburg (and Kili), Paul Morrell, Lolli Ross, Lise Jamison, Peter Crumbine, Florence Griffin, and Peter Tesei. Credit: Katherine Du
The Town of Greenwich celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 27, 2015.
Enacted in 1990 by George H. W. Bush, the ADA is a landmark civil rights law prohibiting disability-based discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and transportation.
“We want to thank everybody because accessibility isn’t just a federal issue. The state and the town endeavor to enable all members of our society to lead fuller and richer lives,” said Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei.
First Selectman Peter Tesei and co-Chairs Lolli Ross and Paul Morrell of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. Credit: Katherine Du
Tesei recognized the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities and co-Chairs Lolli Ross and Paul Morrell.
“Our committee really covers a broad array of our community. This is a time to celebrate our accomplishments… George H. W. Bush described [the ADA] as another independence day. It was a sweeping act that he said ‘opened closed doors to a new era of equality, independence, and freedom for every man, woman, and child.’ And it really did cover all aspects: jobs, employment, even touching school-aged children.” -Lolli Ross, co-Chair of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities
Two guide dogs, Alan Gunzburg’s Kili and Patty Doyle’s Norrie, frolicking at the Town of Greenwich’s ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration. Credit: Katherine Du
Lolli Ross, co-Chair of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, provided this celebratory cake. Credit: Katherine Du
Tesei orated a letter from United States Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who was unable to attend the town celebration.
“The ADA has been instrumental in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities to pursue lives of their choosing without fear of discrimination. Today, millions of Americans living with disabilities are able to successfully obtain employment, utilize transportation services, engage in recreational activities and generally enjoy a life of freedom.” -United States Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
US Senator Richard Blumenthal’s letter. Credit: Katherine Du
Tesei then issued a proclamation declaring July 27, 2015 Americans With Disabilities Day.
Peter Tesei’s proclamation declaring July 27, 2015 Americans With Disabilities Day. Credit: Leslie Yager
“Our goal is full compliance… We are going to continue to look for other areas of improvement, and with your help and recognition, we’ll be able to achieve that. I want to thank the [First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities] for its work and all of you for coming today as supporters of this important act, reminding our community members that you just don’t know when you could be confronted with a limitation and have a necessity for this. That’s why this act is important for all of us.” -Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei
First Selectman Peter Tesei at the podium. Credit: Katherine Du
Michael Dunn, Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT 4th District) Outreach Coordinator, expressed thanks to the Town of Greenwich.
“Congressman Himes’s office will continue to be as strong supporters of ADA as you are,” said Dunn.
Michael Dunn speaking on behalf of Congressman Jim Himes (D-Dist. 4). Credit: Katherine Du
Also in attendance were State representatives Fred Camillo (R-Dist. 151), Livvy Floren (R-Dist. 149), and Mike Bocchino (R-Dist. 150).
From the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, co-Chairs Lolli Ross and Paul Morrell, Florence Griffin, Lise Jamison, and Peter Crumbine, and Alan Gunzburg attended.
State Representatives Mike Bocchino (R-150) and Livvy Floren (R-149), with Selectmen John Toner and Peter Tesei at the 25 year anniversary of the ADA. Credit: Katherine Du
Michelle Brown petting Alan Gunzburg’s Fidelco service dog, Kili. Credit: Katherine Du
Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei’s proclamation declaring July 27, 2015 Americans With Disabilities Day. Credit: Katherine Du
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