The Road To Freedom traveling exhibit and awareness campaign is an ongoing, cross-country bus tour produced by ADA Watch and the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR). Advance work for the tour is in partnership with the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). The educational tour promotes an understanding of disability rights history and the "people's movement" that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In response to the weakening of the ADA in the courts, a separate advocacy component of the tour promotes disability rights as essential civil rights, engages the disability community in the judicial selection process and calls on Congress to pass the ADA Restoration Act. To read the our blog, go to http://www.roadtofreedom.wordpress.com and for additional information, go to http://www.roadtofreedom.org. SPONSORS OF THE ROAD TO FREEDOM EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE:The Open Society Institute, IndependenceFirst, AARP, AOL, Ted Leonsis Foundation, Bruce Hornsby, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dircks & Associates, Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Democracy In Action, Embassy of Croatia, and more. [Photos by Tom Olin]
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Celebrating Easter with the Easter Bunny and children and advocates at an accessible playground in Los Angeles, California.
Celebrating Easter with the Easter Bunny and children and advocates at an accessible playground in Los Angeles, California.
TOPEKA, KANSAS
Young advocates participated in activities at the Road To Freedom bus stop at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas.
Young advocates participated in activities at the Road To Freedom bus stop at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas.
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
Representative from Disabled American Veterans speaking at the Road To Freedom bus stop in Fresno, California. ADA Watch's Jim Ward looks on.
Representative from Disabled American Veterans speaking at the Road To Freedom bus stop in Fresno, California. ADA Watch's Jim Ward looks on.
DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE
Youth leader and interpreter in front of the Road To Freedom bus at the Disability Pride Parade in Chicago, Illinois.
Youth leader and interpreter in front of the Road To Freedom bus at the Disability Pride Parade in Chicago, Illinois.
WATERLOO, IOWA
We received a "rock star" reception at North Star Community Services in Waterloo, Iowa by a crowd of ADA supporters with tons of enthusiasm and some great homemade signs!
We received a "rock star" reception at North Star Community Services in Waterloo, Iowa by a crowd of ADA supporters with tons of enthusiasm and some great homemade signs!
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Road To Freedom panel discussion on ADA restoration at the Seattle University School of Law. The Road to Freedom has visited colleges and universities, as well as high schools across America.
Road To Freedom panel discussion on ADA restoration at the Seattle University School of Law. The Road to Freedom has visited colleges and universities, as well as high schools across America.
PEOPLE FIRST
Advocates from "People First" greeted the Road To Freedom bus at a number of stops.
Advocates from "People First" greeted the Road To Freedom bus at a number of stops.
PORTLAND, OREGON
Pam and Joe VanderVeer from http://www.TheUnderRepresented.com in Road To Freedom shirts at the Portland, Oregon bus stop. Check out the online store at http://www.roadtofreedom.org for tour shirts, caps, mugs and more.
Pam and Joe VanderVeer from http://www.TheUnderRepresented.com in Road To Freedom shirts at the Portland, Oregon bus stop. Check out the online store at http://www.roadtofreedom.org for tour shirts, caps, mugs and more.
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
Mary K. Beresford, Ph.D., Director of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities speaking at the Freedom Bus stop at the state capitol in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mary presented the Road To Freedom crew with a proclamation from Governor Richardson supporting the Road To Freedom.
Mary K. Beresford, Ph.D., Director of the Governor's Commission on Disabilities speaking at the Freedom Bus stop at the state capitol in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mary presented the Road To Freedom crew with a proclamation from Governor Richardson supporting the Road To Freedom.
ON THE ROAD WITH THE FREEDOM BUS
Debbie Fletter Ward and the boys. The family has been a vital part of this year-long, cross-country journey to promote and strengthen the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities.
Debbie Fletter Ward and the boys. The family has been a vital part of this year-long, cross-country journey to promote and strengthen the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities.
