Ed Roberts-Disabiilty Rights Activisit & Advocate - A Multimedia Presentation

Alameda, California (January 9, 2011) – The City of Alameda’s Commission on Disability Issues (CDI) and Alameda Multicultural Community Center (AMCC) are proud to celebrate the life of disability rights activist and advocate, Ed Roberts, with a special multimedia presentation and panel discussion on Saturday, January 22, 2011 (1:00-3:00 p.m.) in the Community Room at the Alameda Free Library (1550 Oak Street).

Ed Roberts (1939-1995), often called the father of the disability rights movement, became disabled with polio as a teenager. With his mother’s support they fought the school district when he was denied a diploma because he did not pass physical education or driver’s education. Roberts continued the battle with the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation when denied his right to attend college.

Roberts not only inspired countless numbers of people with disabilities but went on to help found the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and World Institute on Disability. The Ed Roberts Campus, opened recently in Berkeley, CA, commemorates the life and work of Roberts. The Campus, a national and international model dedicated to disability rights and universal access, houses the offices of collaborating organizations as well as fully accessible meeting rooms, a computer/media resource center, a fitness center, a cafe, and a child development center.

In 2010 California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill by State Senator Loni Hancock that declared January 23rd (Ed Roberts’ birthday) of every year to be a day of special significance.

In Alameda the CDI and AMCC join together to present still, video, and audio in the words of Ed Roberts. Following the multimedia presentation will be a panel discussion about Roberts’ work that continues today. Light refreshments will be provided and the event is free and open to the public.

The Commission on Disability Issues, a group of twelve citizens, strives to educate and recommend policies to make Alameda an accessible community for those with disabilities who live, work and play in our community. An accessible community is the key to both healthy assistance through the process of living well and for the opportunity for those with disabilities to achieve success and quality of life.

The Alameda Multicultural Community Center was founded to celebrate and highlight diverse communities within Alameda.  In 2007, the AMCC merged with West End Koshland.  The AMCC sponsors a multicultural film series and art program, provides a community computer lab, and drop-in information center for community resources and activities.  It networks with organizations, non-profits, the school district and city in support of families and individuals throughout Alameda with special focus on Alameda’s West End.

Contact:
Leslie Krongold, Chair of Commission on Disability Issues
elkrong@yahoo.com (510) 864-1190

Rebecca Holder, Executive Director Alameda Multicultural Community Center

alamulticultural@gmail.com  (510) 521-9405