Sunday, July 29, 2012

ADA Anniversary


On Thursday, July 26, I had the opportunity to attend the National Council on Disability Swearing In Ceremony at the National Archives of Records Administration Rotunda.  It was a very poignant moment, to be sitting there on the 22nd Anniversary of ADA, with the actual Constitution directly in front of us, the Declaration of Independence to our left, and the Bill of Rights to our right.  I was also thrilled to meet NCD members from my home town, Albany, New York—Mr. Chester Finn and Ms. Stephanie Orlando.  There was a reception after the ceremony, where I got the chance to network with others who are passionate about disability rights. 

Afterwards, three of us climbed into a taxi in order to make it to the CRPD markup.  Dirksen was filled with disability pioneers and advocates who had been working so hard for global disability rights and the ratification of the treaty.  It meant so much to be a part of such an historical moment.

Afterwards, we went to Union Station for lunch, and then made our way to the Botanical Garden, where the interns convened before walking over to the Capitol together for a group photograph.  It has been such an honor to get to know all of the interns over the summer.  Everyone has such incredible passion, and you all inspire me to the fullest.  

Now we moved on to the Cannon Building for the And Justice for All awards, where I was further inspired by Jim and Carrie’s speeches.  Finally, it was time to go, and head off to my second Diva Dinner at Fire and Sage.  It was an unforgettable day.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Commenters must avoid profanity, harsh language and disparaging remarks on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. All comments to the blog are moderated by AAPD, and can be subject to removal at any time.

Please use the comments section to engage in the ongoing dialogue between our program funders, current and former interns, our colleagues, and the broader disability community, and to respond to intern posts that intrigue you, to share your own stories, or to simply express your gratitude for being allowed into the world of our summer interns.