ADA's 20th Anniversary: Councilmember Emcees Ceremony

Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. At City Hall, Councilmember LaBonge and other officials marked the occasion with performances and a film screening. The City of Los Angeles Department on Disability and the Los Angeles World Airports hosted the event.
"We are here to celebrate 20 years of civil rights protections for disabled people," Councilmember LaBonge said. "We need to push ahead and make certain the American Disabilities Act continues to even out the playing field for all Americans."
The act was the catalyst for major improvements in accessibility for disabled people. It also continues to be a guiding force for addressing civil rights issues.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmembers Tony Cardenas, Jan Perry and Bill Rosendahl joined other officials and community members in the City Hall celebration. Special guests included Olympic Gold Medalist and Founder of the Special Olympics of Southern California, Rafer Johnson, actress and comedian best known for her role on 1980s hit television series "Facts of Life," Geri Jewel, and from AMC's "Breaking Bad," R.J. Mitte. The Academy of Music for the Blind launched the celebration with a stunning performance. The Screen Actors Guild hosted a screening of the film “Sympathy for Delicious.” Director/actor Mark Ruffalo was among those on hand for a panel discussion about the film.