A man in a suit and a woman stand in front of the US and New York State Flags.

ADA celebrated across New York State

Marking the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act

Celebrations across New York State marked the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law 33 years ago, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.

At the State Capital

A golden framed document sits on an easel in front of an antique wheelchair.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s ADA proclamation.

Governor Kathy Hochul invited members of the IDD community, including CEO Nick Cappoletti, from across the state to attend a celebration marking the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disability Act on July 27 to the Executive Mansion. On display at the event was the proclamation Governor Hochul signed a year ago, commemorating Americans with Disabilities Awareness Day in New York State. She also signed a legislative package that further upholds and strengthens the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities. It encourages autonomy in decision-making through a Supported Decision-Making Agreement.

CEO Nick Cappoletti was in good company. Others in attendance were Bernard Carabello of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS) and Chester Finn of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Other Celebrations

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado addressed state and local officials, advocates, and the public during a celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Rye Brook, NY. Delgado was the keynote speaker at the event sponsored by Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc. (WDOMI) at Crawford Park in Rye Brook on July 26.

Another upstate community has made it a tradition to mark the anniversary of signing the ADA each year. Community members came together on July 27 in Oneida, NY, to march through downtown to recognize the significance of the ADA.

The march was kicked off by Maria Cappoletti, Chief Executive Officer of The Kelberman Center, and Teddy Nicholson of the Madison County Motivators, one of the largest self-advocacy groups in New York State, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Guest speakers included New York State Assemblyman Bryan Miller, Oneida Mayor Helen Acker, Madison County Supervisor Matt Roberts, and LIFEPlan CCO members Kathy Caruso and her son, Steve Gonyea of the Member and Family Advisory Council and his son Dustin.

Many organizations, such as ARISE, the ARC of Madison County, and the YMCA, came together to organize the event.

Meaningful for all

“It’s amazing to think that we are celebrating 33 years of the ADA signing,” said Karlene Cimo, LIFEPlan Community Relations Manager who has served on the Oneida event’s committee since 2019. “There are some amazing and fearless disabilities rights advocates who took a stand and fought for change.”