The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The Act became law in 1990.

“The Act really opened doors and has given people opportunities and choices that otherwise they would not have had,” said Kyle Mutz, director of the Disability Resource Center at Lamar University. “It has really helped people who wouldn’t be able to get an education and leveled the playing field, which has allowed people with disabilities to live a life like everyone else.”

During the event, Jana Daigle, and LU alumnus  will present an overview of the ADA. A former student, Jamarcus Corks, who graduated in 2018 and now works for Lamar University, and two undergraduate students - Holly Westbrook and Richard Guy -  will talk about how the ADA has impacted their lives. There will also be a short Q & A session as well as a video showcasing LU’s Disability Resource Center.

Chris Catalina, personnel director for the City of Beaumont will offer a special greeting on behalf of Mayor Becky Ames, and Dr. Cindy Stinson, director of Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, will address the importance of celebrating the ADA.

“This celebration shows the community Lamar University’s dedication to people with disabilities in terms of equality,” said Mutz. “It also showcases what LU has done to support access and gives individuals an opportunity to show the impact the Act has had on them and brings people together to show what the act has done for peoples’ lives.”

LU’s Disability Resource Center is a unit of LU’s Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Intercultural Affairs. For more information about this event or about the Disability Resource Center, please contact Kyle Mutz at 409.880.8347 or go online to the Disability Resource Center.