On July 23, 2015, Dakota Center for Independent Living (DCIL) held an open house to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). DCIL had a wonderful turnout for the event with a total of 50 people in attendance.
The celebration included lots of door prizes and activities that simulated what someone might encounter should they acquire a traumatic brain injury. These activities included sensory and visual. Other activities included barriers that individuals with physical disabilities face in their everyday lives. People were invited to partake in the wheelchair obstacle course. Those who tried these activities said it really opened their eyes and allowed them to see just how difficult it can be to live with a disability.
Everyone enjoyed the open house and it gave DCIL a chance to talk more about the ADA and what it means to them. The ADA was signed on July 26, 1990. This bill really pushed for the inclusion of people with disabilities and made it illegal to discriminate against them. Although DCIL celebrates the ADA, the staff still sees there is work to be done. The ADA was the first step and while we celebrate all it has to offer, we look to the future and see what else can be done so this world is accessible to everyone.
