On Saturday July 28, 2018, the Bloomington community will celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. MCPL's own Chris Jackson will be helping run the wheelchair course, just one of many skill challenges and activities planned for the day.

Jackson chairs the Accessability Committee for the Local Council for Community Accessibility, the organization hosting the event. He hopes that participants in the wheelchair course will experience what it is like to navigate the world around them while using the chair.

15188895011_bb4c0da0fa_z.jpgJackson also sees an obvious connection between the goal of the celebration, and the Library's mission in the community.

"The Library's mission emphasizes 'equitable access' and our values include Accessibility, Inclusiveness, Lifelong Learning, and Respect. But even though nearly all of us personally experience some sort of disability during our lifespan, and even though we all interact with individuals who face barriers to participation, we still, all too often, take these values for granted. We're hoping this event will raise awareness and understanding of disabilities in a way that strengthens our community," Jackson says.

Festivities begin at 9am on the B-Line Trail, next to the Farmer's Market. Expect to see information tables and presenters from local organizations, including the Library.