Events Across the Country Commemorate Legislative Milestone
Hamilton Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications, announced today their participation in several celebrations across the U.S. recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that was implemented 20 years ago to ensure that the approximately 54 million Americans with disabilities would not be discriminated against. The ADA requires that telephone companies provide functionally equivalent telecommunications services to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking.
"The ADA has brought freedom and equality to Americans with disabilities. Hamilton Relay makes telecommunications relay services available to millions of Americans every day because every phone call is important," said Dixie Ziegler, vice president of Hamilton Relay. "We are proud participants in ADA anniversary celebrations throughout the country – raising awareness and ensuring that all Americans have access to the telephone. The ADA has changed people's lives for the better and that is our mission every day at Hamilton Relay."
Hamilton Relay will be active in supporting the following events:
Arizona. Sponsorship of the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC) ADA 20th Anniversary Gala on July 24 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Tempe Mission Palms Resort, and exhibit at the ADA Advocates Conference on July 26, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona in Phoenix.
California. On July 26 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Hamilton Relay will exhibit at the Department of Rehabilitation ADA 20th Anniversary Celebration on the West Steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento.
Georgia. Information on Hamilton Relay and Georgia Relay services will be made available at the 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 24 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Field of Dreams, Alberta Banks Park in Flowery Branch.
Iowa. On July 24, Hamilton Relay is a sponsor at the ADA Festival at the Iowa State Capitol. On July 26, Hamilton Relay and Relay Iowa are participating in a Workshop for business and community members titled, "20 Years of Relay Through ADA," beginning at 9:00 AM at the State Capitol.
Kansas. On July 26, Hamilton Relay is providing information and support of two events: the free ADA Anniversary Celebration in South Park &ndash Lawrence from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and in Hays, at the 20th Anniversary of the ADA from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is also free and includes a movie and a DJ.
Montana. On July 26, Hamilton Relay is partnering with Montana Telecommunications Access Program to exhibit at the ADA Celebration in Missoula from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Summit Independent Living Centers Historical Museum, Bldg 322.
Rhode Island. On July 23, Hamilton Relay and Rhode Island Relay are sponsors of the 2010 ADA Celebration for Rhode Island, being held at the Department of Administration at Capitol Hill, Atrium Level from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
A direct result of the ADA, relay service makes it possible for individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have difficulty speaking to make and receive telephone calls. There are no restrictions or time limits on calls and Hamilton Relay provides relay service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"The Americans with Disabilities Act has fundamentally changed how American businesses interact with their employees and customers," said John Nelson, president of Hamilton Relay. "This change is so profound that it's difficult to remember how many of the resources that we take for granted were very scarce just twenty years ago. From services like relay and captioned telephone, to captioned television and assisstive visual displays, to wheelchair ramps and curb breaks, the ADA has changed the lives of all Americans for the better."
"We encourage everyone to participate in their local ADA Anniversary celebrations to commemorate how far our nation has come and how far we can go in the future to support those with disabilities," said Ziegler. "At Hamilton Relay, we believe it is important to support the community on a local and state level."
About Hamilton Relay
Hamilton Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications, is a diversified communications and technology services provider based in Aurora, Nebraska. Founded in 1901, Hamilton Telecommunications has grown to encompass eight primary company divisions allowing Hamilton to operate on a local, regional and national basis. For more information, please visit, hamiltonrelay.com.