November 8 event will feature dancing, crafts, refreshments and a special performance from former Harlem Globetrotter Spencer “Spinny” Johnson.
SILVER SPRING, MD—Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Montgomery County Recreation, and the cities of Rockville and Takoma Park invite the public to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) at a free event on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event be held at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center and will feature a host of fun activities including dancing, face painting, crafts, a nature presentation and a special performance by Spencer “Spinny” Johnson formerly of the Harlem Globetrotters.
WHO: The public is invited to a free special event
WHAT: A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act featuring DJ and dancing, crafts, refreshments, nature presentation and performance by former Harlem Globetrotter Spencer “Spinny” Johnson
WHEN: Sunday, November 8, 2015, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mid-County Community Recreation Center
2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906
WHY: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and emphasize how the participating agencies are working together to provide recreation programs and services to meet the needs of all people.
“Embracing and accepting individual abilities and differences helps to shape a community which encourages all to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz. “The 25 year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act provides an opportunity to reconfirm the importance of providing inclusive recreation programs and services to everyone regardless of their ability,”
One of the most comprehensive civil rights laws, the ADA promotes fairness, opportunity, and complete participation in all aspects of American life for individuals with disabilities. It secures each person’s right to independence, and it enables our society and our economy to benefit from the talents and contributions of all Americans by minimizing obstacles to employment, transportation, public services, telecommunications, and public accommodations.
All municipalities in Montgomery County have a long commitment to the goals of the ADA. In 1977, thirteen years before the ADA was signed, Montgomery County expanded its Human Rights law to include protection against discrimination based on disability. Montgomery County Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation team provides accessible leisure, educational and personal development activities for individuals with disabilities through inclusion and adaptive programs. Through activities that include arts, crafts, games, team sports, and special events, Therapeutic recreation programs helps individuals to gain confidence, have fun and make an impact in their lives.
About Montgomery Parks:
Montgomery Parks manages more than 36,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of the Maryland-Naesttional Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. The M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. www.MontgomeryParks.org
Montgomery County Recreation: Since 1954, the Department of Recreation (MCR) has remained dedicated to providing inclusive quality recreation programs and activities that serve the recreation and leisure needs of the Montgomery County community. The Department manages 34 facilities including community and neighborhood recreation centers, senior centers, and indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and provides thousands of programs such as out-of-school activities, aquatics, classes, youth and adult sports programs and leagues, senior programs, and therapeutic recreation that enhance the quality of life for participants of all ages, cultures, and abilities. The Department of Recreation is nationally recognized for its excellence in the provision of facilities and programs.
About the City of Rockville
The City of Rockville, Maryland is a municipality with approximately 61,000 residents in Montgomery County. Rockville is regarded as one of America’s leading small cities for work, for play and for life. Rockville is a city that remembers and reveres its roots, its commitment to citizen-centric public service, to the planet and to the connectivity of its neighborhoods and residents. Rockville is a place one can truly and proudly call “my hometown.” A place where, despite our differences, neighbors know and care about each other and the community and piece of ground they share.
About the City of Takoma Park
The City of Takoma Park, Maryland is a municipality with approximately 17,000 residents in Montgomery County. Takoma Park is known for its vibrant, thriving arts community and leadership on environmental sustainability initiatives. Takoma Park is fully committed to creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive community for residents of all abilities. www.takomaparkmd.gov
For more information about the event contact:
Montgomery County Recreation: Kryss Lacovaro at 240-777-6870
Montgomery Parks: Marybeth Dugan, 240-495-2472