35 years of the ADA - Event Re-Cap
Photo of a cake decorated with balloons that says, Happy 35th Anniversary ADA
Independence First proudly hosted a vibrant community celebration marking the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a landmark civil rights law that changed the face of accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity in our country.
The event was held at our main office and co-presented by the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and Visit Milwaukee. With their help, we were able to keep the event free to the community while providing a delicious catered breakfast, engaging speakers, building tours, ribbon-cutting, an interactive resource fair, and a special custom cake!
Photo of attendees at the 35th anniversary ADA event
We heard passionate remarks from leaders including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Equal Rights Commission Chair Tony Snell, Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, and advocates from the disability community, all reflecting on the ADA’s impact and the road ahead.
Photo of Independence First CEO and President Marci Boucher speaking to the crowd
Director of Independence Living Services Gerald Hay addresses the attendees for a ribbon-cutting
Independence First CEO and President Marcy Boucher kicked things off with a warm welcome. Mayor Cavalier Johnson delivered an inspiring speech about disability rights. Equal Rights Commission Chair Tony Snell shared a Visit Milwaukee video highlighting accessible features in Milwaukee everyone can enjoy.
Photo of Mayor Cavalier Johnson giving a speech next to an ASL interpreter
Photo of Tony Snell speaking to event attendees next to an ASL interpreter
Independence First unveiled their brand-new adult changing table and sensory room with a ribbon cutting and gave tours highlighting other accessible building features. The resource fair featured programs and services from the Milwaukee Fire Department, ADRC, Focus on Energy, and City of Milwaukee Department of City Development, including a demo of accessible voting machines with City of Milwaukee Election Commission and the City of West Bend Clerk's Office. We enjoyed a delicious cake from the National Bakery and allergy-friendly cupcakes from Classy Girl Cupcakes, and a hearty breakfast by Delectables by Donna.
Photo of Mayor Cavalier Johnson ceremoniously cutting the cake
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us! The crowd of over 100 people included disability advocates and community members, representatives of local governments, and agencies, businesses, and organizations. Thank you to ADA Coordinator Jason Ostrowski and the City of Milwaukee for co-hosting and to Visit Milwaukee and Milwaukee County for generously sponsoring this event. We look forward to more access and inclusion in our city!
Keep scrolling for more photos from this event:
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski speaks to the crowd
A caterer serves breakfast to an event attendee
Photo of event attendees
Photo of a ribbon cutting at the ADA anniversary event
Event attendees testing out the new sensory room