ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office along with the City of Gainesville Equal Opportunity Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Center for Independent Living and Alachua County School Board is hosting an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Expo to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the ADA. The Expo is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the Sidney Lanier Center (312 NW 16th Avenue, Gainesville). Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to Noon. It is free and open to the public. Employers are encouraged to attend.
This 6th Annual ADA EXPO will feature a panel representing the EEOC, State Vocational Rehabilitation Office and the Environmental Safety & Occupational Health Division of BlueCross BlueShield of Florida. The speakers will discuss the new ADA changes required of businesses as well as information about providing affordable, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Many business vendors, agencies and organizations that offer service to individuals with disabilities will be present. Individuals will also be able to register with Alachua County Emergency Management for special needs assistance in the event of a hurricane or disaster and experience accessible voting machines with the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Passed in July, 1990, the ADA creates an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, education, transportation and accommodations. On January 1, 2009 a new law became effective which significantly expands coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will require changes by employers to ensure compliance. The ADA applies to businesses with 15 or more employees, including part time and temporary workers.
Click here for the event flyer.
Free transportation is available for persons with special needs.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 or the City of Gainesville Office of Equal Opportunity at 352-334-5051.
If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.