CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, MOPD Commissioner Rachel Arfa and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Malcolm X College. 

An all-day program open to the public and free at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Jackson Boulevard, will honor community partners, recognize innovative employment programs in the greater Chicago area and spotlight visual and performing disabled artists. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the formation of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, created shortly after passage of the ADA in 1990.   

“I honor our City’s disability history and the ongoing fight for disability rights, programs and services, and I am proud to be a champion for our disability community,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Events like this strengthen ties between our communities and help to ensure everyone in our city has a chance to thrive.” 

“Now more than ever it is important for all of us to honor our disability community and protect our civil and disability rights, programs and services that help all of us live independently and thrive in each of our 77 communities,” said MOPD Commissioner Rachel Arfa. “These are values that are more important now than ever.” 

This ceremony will be preceded by a panel on youth disability employment featuring representatives of and graduates from After 22, One Summer Chicago and Project Wright Access. The ADA35 afternoon program features a dance piece from choreographer Maggie Bridger, improvisation and storytelling from the Tellin’ Tales Theatre improv ensemble, and a musical performance by the Tommy Carroll Quartet. This program is supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). 

MOPD is the largest municipal office devoted to disability services in the nation. More than one in four Chicagoans have a disability, according to data led by MOPD and the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Healthy Chicago Survey.   

MOPD strives to serve Chicagoans with disabilities by ensuring their full participation and equal opportunities in all aspects of life. With the goal of inspiring positive change in Chicago, MOPD works to ensure the rights of the disability community are equitably represented across City services, initiatives, and policies.  

For more information about the ADA 35th Anniversary event, please visit chicago.gov/ADA35.  

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