July 26, 2010 - In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mayor Haslam presented a proclamation declaring the day as "Recommitment Day" and for everyone in the city to work toward full accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities not just today but every day.
The Mayor presented the proclamation at the DisABILITY Resource Center's Spirit of ADA Awards Ceremony held at Knoxville's first totally accessible playground, the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground.
The Ashley Nicole Dream Playground opened in June 2005 and is named in honor of Ashley Nicole Manes, who suffered injuries in a 1999 automobile accident that left her paralyzed. The playground is the winner of the 2005 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association's Best Facility Award and is located in Caswell Park, across from the softball complex.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H. Bush to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities and this legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life; however, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.
On the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made under the ADA by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance.