Governors Comission on Disabilities
Minnesota Governor's Council on Disability
disability.state.mn.us
Mission: To serve people with disabilities in Minnesota through development of effective policy, training, technical resources and collaborations with public and private stakeholders
Values: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Communication
Vision: A barrier-free Minnesota where every person with a disability has full access to all aspects of life.
Myrna Peterson, of Grand Rapids, has been appointed to the Council on Disability. Her term is effective July 3, 2019 and expires Jan. 3, 2022. Peterson is replacing Hilary Hauser.
“I am so honored to accept the appointment to Governor Walz’s Council on Disability. I plan to be a voice for differently-abled people within our region, state and nation,” said Peterson. Proud to be a co-chair of the local nonprofit group, Mobility Mania, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, Peterson explained, “It is our purpose to increase accessibility awareness to make Itasca County the showcase of accessibility in Minnesota and to raise financial capital for local accessibility needs. I often say that I only have one thumb that works, but I have a mouth that won’t quit! I am excited for the opportunity to work with and for legislators to secure a more accessibly-friendly quality of life for all.”
Peterson served on Governor Walz’s Council for Connected and Automated Vehicles last year and was part of preparing a document for legislation. She reapplied to that council awaits new of whether she’s been re-appointed. “That was one very exciting experience that I’m really hoping to continue,” added Peterson who is excited to be more visible in legislative efforts once again. “I did so much of this in the mid-80s lobbying for technology in the classroom while I was teaching in Deer River. This time I’ll be on four wheels instead of two feet, still fighting for a better quality of life for all ages.”
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA.gov
United States Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The 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 purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.
In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law and became effective on January 1, 2009. The ADAAA made a number of significant changes to the definition of “disability.” The changes in the definition of disability in the ADAAA apply to all titles of the ADA, including Title I (employment practices of private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees); Title II (programs and activities of state and local government entities); and Title III (private entities that are considered places of public accommodation).