Recognizing 26th Anniversary of ADA

On July 26, the Tallahassee community welcomed Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Heather Taylor, as she toured the state as part of her Ms. Wheelchair Florida Takes Flight Disability Campaign. The tour stop coincided with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which was signed into law 26 years ago.

City of Tallahassee Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Miller and Leon County Vice Chairman John Dailey provided a tour of Cascades Park this morning to Taylor. Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Chief of Staff Karen Hagan was also in attendance. Other disability advocates were also on hand to take the tour and show support for Ms. Wheelchair Florida’s campaign. The accessibility of the new facility was highlighted to show how inclusion of all people was kept in mind during the construction of the park.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, “I think it is wonderful that Heather is touring the state to focus on inclusion of all people in our communities. Today is the perfect time to highlight the accessibility of Tallahassee’s Cascades Park on the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  So many positive changes have occurred because of the ADA to help individuals with disabilities be a part of the fabric of America and Florida.”

On July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law. The ADA has made a tremendous impact on American life and culture. The ADA is an important civil rights act designed to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same freedoms as everyone else.


Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Heather Taylor, will be traveling to Grand Rapids, Michigan to share her story and advocacy at the national Ms. Wheelchair America competition.