from
UK Public Relations

March 4, 1999 -- (Lexington, Ky.) -- When Norb Ryan of the University of Kentucky learned that about 70 percent of Kentuckians affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act are largely unaware of the law and how it can affect them, he decided to do something about it.

Ryan created the Kentucky Americans with Disabilities Initiative, which helps students, parents, teachers, and professionals understand disability services mandated by the ADA.

The initiative begins Friday, March 5, with a workshop at Georgetown College. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Ryan and others will help approximately 100 educators understand their obligation regarding ADA.

As disability program administrator with the UK Human Development Institute (HDI), Ryan will conduct the workshops periodically throughout the state, taking his message to civic groups and students, teachers and administrators at all levels of education. Special focus will be given to senior high-school students regarding their employment rights and their right to accommodations in postsecondary settings.

"Students with disabilities have a better future if they are informed of their rights and are able to advocate for themselves," he said. "The workshops will provide students with an assurance of a much higher quality of disability services, regardless of the type of education they choose to pursue."

The ADA, enacted in 1990, targets discrimination, one of the barriers to independent living for the disabled.

Funding for the Kentucky Americans with Disabilities Initiative came from Phillip Morris USA and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in addition to state funding from the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and the School to Work Program. Lexmark funded the startup of the initiative.

The Human Development Institute’s mission is to promote independence, productivity, and integration of people with disabilities through research, training, and outreach activities.

For more information on ADA or to request a workshop in your area, call Ryan at 606-257-1719.