Celebrating 35th anniversary of the ADA
Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College are holding four Disability in Action events this fall to collaboratively celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Disability in Action events represent a partnership between the Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group (ERG) at DCTC, chaired by Anna Voight, campus merger coordinator, and vice-chaired by Erin Manthey, mathematics faculty, Unified Club, also at DCTC, advised by Maggie Laurel, learning technology support specialist, and Erin, and Disability Club at Inver Hills, advised by Allison Jenson, accessibility services director, and Marika Reese, social justice studies faculty. Melissa Fletcher, DCTC director of educational access and disability resources, also collaborates of Disability in Action events.
More about the ADA and raising awareness…
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities in many areas of public life. Learn more…
October awareness observances
October is a powerful month for raising awareness about disability, mental health, and access. Here are some of the key observances:
- ADHD Awareness Month
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Health Literacy Month
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
- Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
- Emotional Wellness Month
- Bullying Prevention Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- World Mental Health Day – October 10
- National Depression Screening Day – October 10
- Mental Illness Awareness Week – First week of October
- OCD Awareness Week – Second week of October
- National Health Education Week – Third week of October
Together, these observances highlight the importance of neurodiversity, inclusive education, mental health support, and equitable access to healthcare and information.
What is the ADA—and why should I care?
When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, it excluded protections for people with disabilities. It was legal to deny employment, education, and public access based on disability.
The Disability Rights Movement led to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibited disability-based discrimination in federally funded programs. Most notably, Section 504 required public schools to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to education.
This paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is divided into five titles, covering:
- Employment
- State and local government
- Public accommodations
- Telecommunications
- Miscellaneous provisions
In 2008, the ADA was amended to broaden the definition of disability and strengthen protections. Today, the ADA continues to promote access, inclusion, and dignity—principles that benefit not only people with disabilities but our entire society.
Top 10 things to know about the ADA
- 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability. Anyone can become disabled at any point in life.
- The ADA ensures equal opportunity by prohibiting discrimination based on disability.
- It covers both visible (e.g., wheelchair use) and invisible disabilities (e.g., diabetes, anxiety).
- The ADA applies to employment, government services, businesses, and telecommunications.
- Websites and digital tools must be accessible under ADA guidelines.
- In 2010, design standards were added to ensure physical accessibility in public spaces.
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.
- Service animals are allowed in most public places under ADA rules.
- The ADA is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- The ADA applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
Upcoming event…
Autistic Community Summit
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Dakota County Technical CollegeHosted by the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM), this hybrid event is created and led by autistic people and features two tracks:
- Advocacy: Hands-on opportunities to start your advocacy journey
- Community: Support, relationship-building, and self-care
LEARN MORE…
Disability in Action schedule of events
Student Experience Panel
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
DCTC campus: Room 2-601
Or join via Zoom
Crip Camp
Movie showing
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Inver Hills campus: Fine Arts 190
Puzzles & Pizza
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
DCTC campus: Main Commons
Sun, Surf, and S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Thursday, December 11, 2025
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Inver Hills campus: College Center Lounge
Disability in Action gallery
Learn more about Annual Disability in Action Events for Fall 2025 at DCTC and Inver Hills by contacting:
Melissa Fletcher
Director of Educational Access & Disability Resources
Dakota County Technical College
melissa.fletcher@dctc.edu
651-423-8469
Anna Voight
Campus Merger Coordinator
Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group (ERG) Chair
Dakota County Technical College
anna.voight@dctc.edu
Erin Manthey
Mathematics Faculty
Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group Vice Chair
Unified Club Co-Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
erin.manthey@dctc.edu
Maggie Laurel
Learning Technology Support Specialist
Unified Club Co-Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
maggie.laurel@dctc.edu
Allison Jenson
Office for Accessibility Resources (OAR) Director
Disability Club Staff Advisor
Inver Hills Community College
allison.jenson@inverhills.edu
Marika Reese
Social Justice Studies Faculty
Disability Club Faculty Advisor
Inver Hills Community College
marika.reese@inverhills.edu
