DES MOINES, IOWA – Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is excited to celebrate 40 years of Creating Change for Iowans with disabilities on July 27, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. In partnership with Polk County Conversation and Athene North Shore Recreation Area, DRI will host the 40/34 Equal Access Festival at the newly opened Athene North Shore Recreation Area (North Shore.) The 40/34 Equal Access Festival celebrates Disability Rights Iowa’s 40th Anniversary and the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
DRI’s milestone represents 40 years of steadfast advocacy for Iowans with disabilities. Throughout these years, DRI and disability rights have undergone significant changes. Constant through the years has been Iowan’s Disability Community. DRI is the zealous disability rights agency of today due to the trust and faith the disability community has in our agency.
The festival activities include;
- The premiere of DRI’s short film “Impact of Advocacy”
- Welcome greeting and speeches on the importance of the ADA
- Free lunch will be handed out on a first come first serve basis up to 150 attendees,
- Opportunity to win a door prize at 1pm, and
- Free adaptive 30-minute canoe and kayak rental, also first come first serve.
Jointly celebrating the Anniversaries of Disability Rights Iowa and the Americans with Disabilities Act, highlights the importance of the ADA in DRI’s advocacy efforts. “We celebrate the ADA each July for every person we have represented who had their rights protected because of this monumental legislation. Our work is truly possible because of the ADA”Catherine E. Johnson continues, “DRI’s ability to advocate for justice and to advance disability rights forever changed with the signing of the ADA.”
Devon Boes shares “Co-hosting this event allows us to let everyone know people with disabilities deserve access to nature. We want to promote the physical and mental wellness that comes from being in outdoor spaces for people with disabilities that isn’t always available at other outdoor public spaces.” DRI is excited to celebrate our 40 years with Iowa’s Disability Community, partners, stakeholders and all individuals interested in having a fun day!
To learn more about the Equal Access Festival, please follow this link.
Captioning and ASL will be provided for the event. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend Disability Rights Iowa events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please email DRI at contact@driowa.org prior to July 10, 2024, at 11:59 am.
About Athene North Shore Recreation Area.
North Shore is designed so people of all ages and abilities are able to explore and participate in outdoor activities at their own pace. Whether you want to try a new sport, relax, or dip your toes in the water, you’ll find all the equipment, facilities, and staff to bring you closer to nature. Learn more: https://NorthShoreRecArea.org/
