relaxing at the 2009 CPD swim party and picnic

The annual  picnic and swim party was a good time to recognize CPD employees for their years of service. Here’s a list of those honored this year:

25 years

Dennis Odell, Mary Ellen Heiner, Cyndi Rowland

20 years

John Copenhaver, Marilyn Hammond

15 years

Diane Green, Georgiana Clausen, Cora Price

10 years

Heather Mariger, Jann J. Pugmire, Lisa Boyce, Keith Christensen, Tyler Monson, Ed O’Leary, Wayne Ball, Carol B. Massanari

5 years

Amy Notwell, Tressa Johnston, Kim Dzatko, Lydia Burrola, Joy E. Gines, Marla Nef, Ginger Payant, Laura Compton

3 years

Suzanne C.  Wiser, Vivian F. Hou, Bowen Masco, Mark P. Groskreutz, Janel Preston, Becky Keeley, Kelly Maybury, Tina M. McComber, Richard W. Jewkes, Eric Monson, Cathy Crump, Ashley Robins, Connie Pehrson

Each year, the Disability Law Center (DLC) seeks input from the community on a variety of issues impacting the more than 400,000 people with disabilities in Utah.  The information that they receive through the survey helps them to identify and address the issues that are important to people in Utah.

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is a private non-profit organization that is the designated  Protection and Advocacy agency for the state of Utah committed to  enforcing and strengthening the laws that protect the opportunities, choices and the rights of  people with disabilities.

Taking this short, anonymous, online survey is an opportunity for people in Utah with disabilities, their families, and other advocates to share the disability issues that most impact their lives. When a single voice is joined by other voices, it has a louder sound, and when joined with the DLC voices, it cannot be ignored.

I encourage you to  think about the issues that affect your life or the lives of those you know, and take 5 minutes and fill out this survey.

To make sure your survey counts, please complete it by July 24, 2009.  The results of this survey will be posted on the DLC website in September.

On July 26, 2009, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrates its 19^th anniversary. This law has greatly impacted the lives of over 54 million Americans living with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit their daily activities over the past two decades.  The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. It has changed the way that Americans think about and treat those with disabilities. 

At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, President George Bush stated, “Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation’s Independence Day. Today we’re here to rejoice in and celebrate another “independence day,” one that is long overdue. With today’s signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom.”  (Remarks of President George Bush at the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act)

In recognition of the upcoming anniversary of the ADA, President Barack Obama has stated:  “… We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination. Policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities. ”  (President Barack Obama, April 11, 2008)

The Southwest Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC),  an affiliated program of the CPD, has recently announced their publication of  The Disability Law Handbook, a 50-page guide that answers questions about the ADA, the ADA Amendments Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and other disability related laws. 

You are invited to join with thousands throughout the United States who will observe July 26^th as a national ADA Awareness Day.  Watch for your local community ADA Anniversary celebrations.