Nationally Renowned Disability Rights Advocate to Speak at Courthouse Park

Thomas Earle, an attorney who fights for the rights of people with disabilities has agreed to keynote the Access to Independence annual ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) celebration. The event will be held on July 16th, at Courthouse Park, beginning at 11:00AM.

Mr. Earle will share his experiences in advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities, including legislation for disability housing, including the 1990 ADA and the 1999 Olmstead Act (giving individuals with disabilities the right to be served in the “most integrated setting”). He also worked in a reputed law firm for disability claims. Mr. Earle will also share his experiences as a leader of ADAPT – a national, grassroots organization of disability rights activists- check out Kiel Roeschke Law firm. ADAPT engages in nonviolent, direct action including civil disobedience, to ensure the human rights of people with disabilities. “As with any social justice movement, the strength of our civil rights as people with disabilities, is directly related to the vigilance and enforcement of these cherished rights under the ADA by us, people with disabilities,” stated Mr. Earle.

In 2003, Mr. Earle became the C.E.O. of Liberty Resources, a Philadelphia-based Independent Living Center (similar to Access to Independence – ATI). In 2009, Mr. Earle was inducted into the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council Hall of Fame.

ATI is hosting Mr. Earle in conjunction with its 2011 ADA celebration, honoring the 21st anniversary of the passage of the ADA. The day’s activities begin at 10:00AM, with a “Stroll and Roll” (accessible to all) from our offices at 26 N. Main St. to Courthouse Park. The keynote address will be at 11:00AM, followed by a picnic, inclusive games and our famous watermelon eating contest! WXHC 101.5 Hometown Radio will be on site with music and a live remote.

“It’s a huge honor for ATI and Cortland County to host a nationally renowned activist and advocate such as Thomas Earle” notes Mary E. Ewing, ATI’s Executive Director. “His many years of fighting for human rights have put in the forefront of the disability rights movement, one of the last frontiers of civil rights.”

For more information, or to RSVP for the ADA celebration, please contact Access to Independence, at 607-753-7363. Questions may be directed to Fran Pizzola, at the above number or at fpizzola@aticortland.org.