Community members gathered to greet the Road To Freedom bus at the Lane Transit Center in Eugene, Oregon. Well before the ADA was passed, Eugene was the first city in America to make their public transit buses accessible to people with wheelchairs.

The Road To Freedom bus tour received a very warm welcome in Eugene, Oregon on May 8th. Special guests included professional golfer Casey Martin who successfully took his ADA case against the PGA to the Supreme Court. From dignitaries including the County Commissioner and the Mayors of Eugene and Springfield to a dynamic drumming band, jugglers and comedians, the day was a memorable one for all involved! - Photos by Tom Olin -

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ADAWatch > An early start on this event day, as photographer Tom Olin and ADA Watch's Jim Ward were interviewed live on the ABC-affiliate, Channel 9-TV, during 3 segments of their 5-7AM news show.

Jim Ward is shown here describing the accessible features of the Road To Freedom bus outside the studio.

Later, on the ride to the event, Ward was a guest during the morning show on Progressive Talk Radio WKOPT.

ADAWatch > Community members gathered to greet the Road To Freedom bus at the Lane Transit Center in Eugene, Oregon.

Well before the ADA was passed, Eugene was the first city in America to make their public transit buses accessible to people with wheelchairs.

ADAWatch > Commuters joined the disability community at Eugene Station for the Road To Freedom bus stop.

ADAWatch > Disability community speakers included golf pro, Casey Martin; Eugene Organ, Chair of Lane Independent Living Alliance, (LILA); Jim Ward, ADA Watch/NCDR, Molly Elliot, Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Coordinator for Hilyard Community Center; Jon West, LILA Executive Director; Hugh Massengill, Chair of the Eugene Human Rights Committee on Accessibility.

Speakers also included Gerry Gaydos, Board President, Lane Transit District (LTD); Terry Parker, Accessible Services Manager, LTD; and Terry Coplin, Chief Executive Officer, Lane Individual Practice Association

ADAWatch > Casey Martin made history when his his ADA case went all the way to the Supreme Court where his right to use a golf cart in PGA competition was affirmed.

ADAWatch > Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson welcomed the Freedom Bus and expressed support for the ADA.

ADAWatch > Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy expressed pride in all that the City is doing to advance access for people with disabilities.

ADAWatch > Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken declared his support of the Road To Freedom and Springfield's committment to the ADA.

Community members gathered to greet the Road To Freedom bus at the Lane Transit Center in Eugene, Oregon.

Well before the ADA was passed, Eugene was the first city in America to make their public transit buses accessible to people with wheelchairs.