Top > Business > 2005 > July > 2005-07-25

Bush 41 celebrates 15th anniversary of Disabilities Act

Mike Paciello, President and Founder of The Paciello Group (TPG) of Nashua, N.H., and a leading advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, has been invited to attend the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event, taking place on July 25th, is a commemorative reception at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where former President George H. W. Bush is the keynote speaker. The event is hosted by the National Council on Disability and other government agencies.

The following day, Paciello and other accessibility experts will participate in a program of seminars at the Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, DC. The program includes an opening plenary session, six related workshops, and a closing plenary session. Mr. Paciello has been asked to speak at the forum on the Access Boards work, research, and technology goals. These forums allow the public to provide input on shaping a new agenda and on specific Board initiatives. The Access Board is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. It was created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, and is now a leading source of information on accessible design.

ADA represents a true milestone in the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities, said Mike. Without its passage millions of Americans would be denied access to opportunities that are enjoyed each day by those who do not have disabilities. Still, as we move further into a world of electronic information and world wide access, serious challenges remain. Our goal is to aid the Access Board by creating a technology roadmap that enhances the lives of people with disabilities all over the world.

The Paciello Group (TPG) is an LLP located in Nashua, NH. TPG is dedicated to the notion that IT resources should be available to all persons, without regard to ability. TPG was founded and is led by Mike Paciello. Mike is a leader in the community of advocates for accessibility. He is member of many standards organizations, has served on government task forces to address disability needs, and is the author of Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities.