Senator Richard Durbin will reflect on the 20th Anniversary  of  the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act during an appearance Monday, July 26th, at The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, 1850 W. Roosevelt Road.

Senator Durbin was a strong backer of the original landmark legislation when he was a U.S. congressman.  The measure was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26th, 1990.   The Senator was also a primary supporter of the subsequent ADA Amendments Act and has won numerous awards for his efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.

Following his remarks, which are scheduled to begin at 10:30 am, the Lighthouse will present a panel discussion on the significance of the ADA that will be moderated by retired Cook County Judge Nicholas Pomaro who is totally blind.   Panelists will include Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, who played a leading role in establishing the Chicago Special Olympics; Rene Luna, disability advocate with Access Living in Chicago; Paul Scher, a Lighthouse board member who was Rehabilitation Services Manager on the Affirmative Action staff at Sears Merchandise Group; Ray Campbell, who operates the Lighthouse’s Adaptive Technology Help Desk and who also serves as President of the Illinois Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind; Mary Abramson, instructor in the Lighthouse’s Office Skills program; and Emily Norris, a third year law student at the University of Illinois College of Law.

"Given the dramatic impact that the ADA has had on millions of Americans with disabilities, their families and agencies who serve them, we felt compelled to reflect on the consequences of this far-reaching law, how effective has it been and more importantly, what things still must be done to assure full equality for our citizens who are blind or otherwise disabled," said Judge Pomaro.

Thanking the panelists in advance for agreeing to serve, the Judge added that he looks forward to engaging the group in a thought-provoking, insightful discussion.

For additional information, call PR Director Dominic Calabrese at 312/997-3662.

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