Independence First Celebrates the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By Andrew Levinson
July 31, 2026
MILWAUKEE — On Monday, July 27, Independence First and City of Milwaukee Department of Compliance and Engagement proudly welcomed community members, advocates, public officials, and partner organizations to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event brought together leaders from across Milwaukee to recognize one of the most important civil rights laws in our nation's history while reaffirming our shared commitment to building a community where people with disabilities can live, work, and participate fully.
The celebration began with a community breakfast and program, where attendees heard from several local leaders about the lasting impact of the ADA and the work that still lies ahead.
We were honored to welcome remarks from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission Chair Tony Snell Rodriguez, and Milwaukee County Director of Health and Human Services Shakita LaGrant-McClain. Their messages highlighted the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive.
Independence First's Director of Fund Development, Troy Moldenhauer, also spoke about our organization's mission and the vital role Independent Living Centers continue to play in advancing disability rights throughout Wisconsin.
Following the program, guests enjoyed a special anniversary cake celebrating the ADA's 36 years of progress before visiting a community resource fair featuring organizations committed to supporting people with disabilities including City of Milwaukee Department of Compliance and Engagement, Aging & Disability Resource Center, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Public Library, Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement, and Disability Vote Coalition. The fair provided attendees with opportunities to learn about local services, connect with community partners, and discover new resources that promote greater independence and inclusion.
Since it was signed into law on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has transformed countless lives by prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA has helped remove barriers, expanded opportunities, and affirmed that disability rights are civil rights.
While we celebrate the progress made over the past 36 years, we also recognize that the work is far from complete. Too many people with disabilities continue to face barriers to housing, transportation, employment, healthcare, and community participation. Independence First remains committed to advocating for policies, programs, and services that empower people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in every aspect of community life.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for this year's celebration, as well as our event partners including the City of Milwaukee Department of Compliance and Engagement, Visit Milwaukee, and Milwaukee County, along with the speakers, volunteers, and staff who helped make the day possible. Your support strengthens the disability rights movement and reminds us that meaningful change happens when communities work together.
As we celebrate the ADA's legacy, we look forward to continuing the work of creating a Wisconsin, and a nation, where accessibility, inclusion, and independence are realities for everyone.
Photo Gallery
Images by Jennifer Miller
County Supervisors Sheldon Wasserman and Kathleen Vincent pose with Director of Health and Human Services Shakita LaGrant-McClain and Fund Development Director Troy Moldenhauer to present a citation recognizing the 36th Anniversary of the ADA on behalf of Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell
Lieutenant Carlos Velazquez-Sanchez from the Milwaukee Fire Department demonstrates CPR on a dummy
Wendy Heyn with Disability Vote Coalition sits with literature about voting rights at the resource fair
Tony Snell Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion at Visit Milwaukee and Chair of the Equal Rights Commission, and Fire Chief Aaron Lipski have a conversation before the program
Attendees and Independence First Staff pose for a picture, smiling
Cheryl Orgas sits at the table for Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement at the resource fair
DCE City of Milwaukee Department of Compliance and Engagement Director Mary Reed & DHHS Shakita LaGrant-McClain pose for a picture
attendees talk while in line at the breakfast buffet
A member of the Milwaukee Public Library Outreach Team talks to an event attendee
Staff from event partner City of Milwaukee, Department of Compliance and Engagement pose for a picture
Tony Snell Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion at Visit Milwaukee and Chair of the Equal Rights Commission, poses with a slice of cake
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski speaks during the event program
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson shakes hands with Independence First Fund Development Director Troy Moldenhauer