GOODWILL® CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF PROGRESS FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was an important milestone for Goodwill’s ongoing dedication to employment for all.

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, public accommodation and more. Goodwill is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this truly groundbreaking civil rights legislation that promotes equality for all American citizens.

Since its inception more than 113 years ago, Goodwill Industries International has been devoted to providing employment opportunities to job seekers with disabilities and specialized circumstances. Today, through the tireless efforts of its 165 local agencies, millions of people access Goodwill services each year. Last year alone, 426,000 men and women with disabilities in the United States and Canada used Goodwill’s intensive one-on-one career services to prepare for employment.

“We at Ohio Valley Goodwill are committed to supporting the spirit of the ADA, and we are dedicated to empowering Americans with disabilities in their employment endeavors with job training, mentoring and placement services,” said Aimee Rittner, Assistant Director. “We look past disabilities to see each person’s abilities, and we wholeheartedly support their contribution to the workplace.”

Despite the advances spurred by the ADA, finding meaningful employment continues to be challenging for people with disabilities. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released in June, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.5 percent in 2014, more than double the figure for those with no disabilities (5.9 percent).

“Donations to Ohio Valley Goodwill support the broad range of services we provide to assist men and women with disabilities in their vocational pursuits. The simple act of clearing clutter and donating items helps create jobs right here in the Cincinnati community,” said Michael Flannery, Public Information Officer. “Please join the more than 90 million donors who contribute to Goodwill agencies across the country, making lives better for millions of individuals and families.”

Locally, everyone is invited to participate in the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plan to join Ohio Valley Goodwill along with dozens of human service organizations and disability advocates at City Hall on Monday, July 27th at 9:30 am for the ADA 25 inaugural Disability Pride March and at 10 am at Fountain Square for the ADA 25 ” Can Do” Celebration. For more information, follow us at Facebook Page: Cincinnati ADA 25th Anniversary and Twitter @ #CanDo.