National Awareness To Recognize Contributions of Persons With Disabilities

	Goddard's Disability Banner

Goddard will join the Nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. The theme for this year is 'America Works Best When All Americans Work.'

This marks the 13th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1988, Congress changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." "The ADA helps disabled persons to participate more fully in our society; and it has opened doors for countless Americans, removing barriers, improving employment opportunities, expanding government services, and regulating accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications," President Bush has said.

"I think this is a great opportunity to recognize the achievements of persons with disabilities," said Jennell Dewitt, chairperson for the Goddard Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. "People with disabilities have consistently proven that even with challenges in their daily activities, they can still make significant contributions to our society and to the world."

Throughout the year, Dewitt and committee members assisted by Michael Hartman, People with Disabilities Program Manager, meet with other Goddard representatives to discuss recognition of and probable solutions for eliminating barriers within the Goddard community.

This year's recognition will include a colloquia featuring Cynthia D. Waddell, JD, entitled 'Section 508 Accessible Web; U.S. and International Impact,' October 8, at 3:30 pm in the Building 3 auditorium.

In response to an ADA complaint in 1995, Waddell wrote the first accessible web design standard that was recognized as a best practice by the federal government and adopted by jurisdictions both in the US and abroad.

Her presentation will provide a brief overview of the emergence of accessible web design standards and accessible web complaints that led to changes. She will also provide an overview of the current federal web design standards and their indirect impact on State laws and policies. State activities regarding adoption of Section 508 accessible web will be discussed as well as international activities such as current United Nations discussion for accessible web design in a proposed treaty on the rights of persons with disabilities.

"All of our citizens should have the opportunity to live and work with dignity and freedom," stated President Bush in his proclamation. "We recognize the talents, skills, and dedication of disabled Americans who are a vital part of our workforce. During this month we reaffirm our commitment to enable people with disabilities who want to work receive the training they need to achieve their goal," said the President.