City elected officials and business leaders gathered Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by launching a broad new initiative to promote physical access and employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
The Chicago Community Trust is lead sponsor of ADA 25 Chicago, and has given a grant of $1 million to get the project going.
“The ADA recognizes disability as a natural part of the human experience, as people with disabilities are our family, neighbors, teachers, lawyers and public officials,” Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust, said in a statement following the launch event.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who lost both legs in combat, was among several elected officials in attendance at the downtown offices of Motorola Mobility, another sponsor of ADA 25 Chicago.
“I’ve done a lot of work with ADA 25 Chicago recently, and one thing is clear – this organization has the same dedication and resolve as the great champions for civil rights,” Duckworth said in a statement. “It’s inspiring to see such great work getting started in the Chicagoland area.”
Already in development is the Leadership Institute for People with Disabilities — started with seed funding from Exelon — which is aimed at preparing those with disabilities for leadership positions in the nonprofit and private sectors as well as in government.
More than 140 other businesses, organizations and cultural institutions have also made commitments to improve access and opportunities as part of ADA 25 Chicago.
Motorola Mobility will host a hackathon where developers will create software to make Chicago more accessible, the project’s website said.
At least three projects are already well past the planning stage.
Shedd Aquarium will collaborate with the Chicago Lighthouse, a nonprofit for the visually impaired, to improve exhibits for people who are blind or have difficulty seeing.
Audubon Chicago Region will create accessible birding experiences through “birding by ear” programs and wheelchair hikes.
And Polk Bros Park is committing to a new accessibility master plan for its facility at Navy Pier.
In the private sector, the Chicagoland Business Leadership Network is being launched under the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with the goal of advancing the employment of people with disabilities.
The project will also host speakers on the topics of employment, education and inclusion at venues including the City Club of Chicago and Chicago Humanities Festival.
ADA 25 Chicago will provide a progress report at a two-day summit this fall, according to organizers.