Chicago Lighthouse Salutes ADA’s 20th Anniversary

Chicago, IL, July 01, 2010 --(PR.com)-- In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the signing into law of the landmark Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, the Lighthouse will sponsor a special panel discussion on Monday, July 26th, from 10:30 am to noon.

The discussion, which takes place on the actual anniversary date when President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law, will be moderated by retired Cook County Judge Nicholas Pomaro who directs the Lighthouse’s Kane Legal Clinic.

Headlining a stellar panel will be Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke; Lighthouse Executive Director Dr. Janet Szlyk; Paul Scher, a Lighthouse board member who was Rehabilitation Services Manager on the Affirmative Action staff at Sears Merchandise Group; Rene Luna, disability advocate with Access Living in Chicago; Ray Campbell, who operates the Lighthouse’s Adaptive Technology Help Desk and who also serves as President of the Illinois Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind; Mary Abramson, instructor in the Lighthouse’s Office Skills program; and Emily Norris, a third year law student at the University of Illinois College of Law.

"Given the dramatic impact that the ADA has had on millions of Americans with disabilities, their families and agencies who serve them, we felt compelled to reflect on the consequences of this far-reaching law, how effective has it been and more importantly, what things still must be done to assure full equality for our citizens who are blind or otherwise disabled," said Judge Pomaro.

Thanking the panelists in advance for agreeing to serve, the Judge added that he looks forward to engaging the group in a thought-provoking, insightful discussion.

For additional information, call PR Director Dominic Calabrese at 312/997-3662.

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