Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Commission on Disabilities Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

City reviews accomplishments and recognizes those for their efforts to improve the lives of local residents with disabilities

BALTIMORE, Md. (July 22, 2015)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities (MCOD) celebrated the 25th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by reviewing this year's accomplishments and recognizing the achievements of those who made significant strides in supporting individuals with disabilities.

The commission holds this meeting every year to review the City's accomplishments and discuss continuing and new disability issues and concerns. During this event, the Mayor also recognized key contributions from commission members who have made great strides to improving the lives of local residents with disabilities.

"I want commission members to know that I greatly appreciate their commitment and advocacy in assisting with making City resources more accessible to citizens of Baltimore City," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. "I am proud of their efforts to remain forward thinking to advocate for more accessible businesses and services for everyone in Baltimore."

The Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities works to ensure the accessibility of City services, facilities, programs, employment opportunities and communications and to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and all associated laws and regulations. The commission assists city government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations with educational and instructional information about reasonable accommodation and universal design.

“The Mayor’s dedication and leadership have been critical to our continuing to improve access to employment, services, and facilities. She continues to be a Disability Champion for us all as we continue striving for equal opportunities for all Baltimoreans, said Lou Ann Blake, Esq, Commission Chairperson."  

In recognition of the 25th Anniversary week of the ADA, the Mayor was joined by Keynote Speaker, Mark A. Riccobono, President and CEO, National Federation of the Blind. Riccobono was recognized for his leadership on the use of STEM, Science, Technology, engineering, and Math, as critical tools for employment and advancement of people of all disabilities in our economy.

“The National Federation of the Blind has been proud to coordinate its national advocacy, education, and technology efforts from our world-recognized headquarters in Baltimore for nearly forty years," said Mr. Riccobono. "We appreciate the recognition by Mayor Rawlings-Blake and the Commission on Disabilities for our work to inspire and engage blind students in STEM subjects and make those careers a reality for the next generation of blind innovators."

The Mayor, Councilman Robert Curran, and the Commission also recognized the important contributions of the Legislative Committee and its co-chairs Victor Tervala and Jack Elam with awards for reviewing, tracking, and submittal of Bill testimony during the legislative sessions over the past four years.

The report on the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities 2015 Accomplishments can at found at http://mcd.baltimorecity.gov/AccessibilityInformation/Accomplishments.aspx.