Minnesota Council on Disability
Communications planning | Event-specific logo and identity package | Email and social media development | Event-related micro website | Paid media placement | Project management and coordination
Celebrating a Landmark Law
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is worthy of recognition every day. But on the cusp of the 25th Anniversary of this landmark civil rights legislation, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) had big plans. I had the honor of helping make them happen.
Established in 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Similar to protections based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion, the ADA guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications, ensuring people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
As the state’s leading authority on policy, training, and technical assistance for the disability community, MCD received a grant to create a series of ADA 25th Anniversary activities, including a statewide survey of employment practices, a documentary in partnership with tpt, a family day celebration at the Minnesota History Center, and a commemorative poster project.
Working closely with the organization’s leadership and staff, I created a comprehensive communications program and helped execute all aspects of the plan. As part of the year-long project, I guided the organization on best practices and tools to inform and engage broader audiences, increase the visibility of MCD’s work, and highlight the ADA’s impact across the disability community and beyond. The education was a two-way street, as the team gave me a much greater understanding of their community’s ongoing challenges and best practices to incorporate into my work and daily life. It was a profoundly memorable experience, and I have the good fortune of continuing to work with MCD on other ongoing projects.
ADA 25th Anniversary project included:
– A statewide survey of Human Resources executives and others regarding hiring practices
– Videos and a documentary developed in partnership with tpt public television
– Family Day Celebration at the Minnesota History Center
– Commemorative poster project
— Creating the “25 Days for the ADA” campaign, using paid ads, social media, and other platforms to inform the public over a 25-day span of how the ADA touches us all daily.
