Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary celebrated with resource fair

ALBANY — In celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a resource fair was conducted at the Albany Civic Center on Friday by Albany Transit officials for those in the community impacted by disabilities.

The daylong event included Albany Transit, Georgia Department of Transportation, Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Georgia Statewide Coalition on Blindness, Albany Advocacy Resources Center, Albany Fire Department, Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Lamb Law Firm.

The first speaker on the program was Howard Bouldin, an intern for U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, who noted the occasion was an opportunity to both celebrate the successful progress and failures endured in achieving equality for those with disabilities.

One specific area outlined by Bouldin is employment, which has meant creating working opportunities for those with disabilities. Overcoming that obstacle can be one of great pride.

“Work is how we define ourselves,” Bouldin said.

He said that work still must be done regarding equal pay, but that ADA has still achieved a great deal in the expectation that those with disabilities can be productive members of society if given the chance.

“It has empowered America’s disabled, and that’s a big deal,” Bouldin said.

Angela Calhoun, superintendent of operations for Albany Transit, said Friday’s event was coordinated as part of an effort to establish partnerships and achieve a greater overall impact on the community.

“We want to share information, and we want to make a difference,” she said.

Calhoun gave an overview of the services currently offered through the 17 vehicles used to assist the public. Among those vehicles are eight buses on 11 fixed routes running through Albany.

The buses operate curb-to-curb and origin-to-destination, and work to make their services ADA-accessible through the use of lifts, a kneeling feature and wheelchair securement.

“We look at all types of barriers that might prevent someone from navigating the system,” Calhoun said.

The Transit official said improvements are coming in the future, including viewing monitors to provide information to passengers and five new buses with a new paint scheme.

“The old buses will remain as they are until we can phase in the new color scheme,” Calhoun said.

She also made a point of saying that all the Albany Transit operators are there to serve.

“All the operators take pride in the job they do every day,” Calhoun said. “We can’t promise we won’t make mistakes, but we are (doing our best).”

Participating agencies had tables set up for the public to find out more information on the resources available to them.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA, “prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities and transportation.”