CARD-USF Receives Special Recognition at 2013 Disability Expo & Forum
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities hosted the 2013 Disability Expo & Forum on Wednesday, July 24. The Expo is held annually to raise awareness of the 1990 landmark federal civil rights legislation known as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Expo celebrated programs and contributions of citizens with disabilities in the Tampa Bay area. Outstanding Community Service, Accessibility For All, and Outstanding Youth Service awards were also presented to honor local individuals and organizations that have contributed to improving the lives of people living with disabilities in Hillsborough County.
Congratulations to the CARD-USF team for receiving special recognition for work on their autism friendly business initiative.
"I congratulate the entire CARD team, and want to especially recognize Mindy Stevens and Jean MacNeill for the work done on our autism friendly business initiative. More than 40 local businesses including restaurants, hotels, entertainment and tourist attractions, public parks, faith-based organizations and health and wellness centers have received assistance from CARD-USF to meet their individual diversity goals. Mindy and Jean have played a large role in this initiative," said Dr. Karen Berkman, Executive Director of CARD-USF. "CARD-USF provides our constituents with the list of autism friendly businesses to create a more inclusive community for people of all abilities."
The 2013 Disability Expo also showcased exhibitors demonstrating advances in technologies, transportation services, adaptive vehicles, employment, disaster preparedness for special needs, and other information aimed at improving quality of life for citizens with disabilities. For additional information, visit www.HillsboroughCounty.org/ADA.
Please read the brochure, Autism Fits: Your Piece of the Puzzle, to learn more about this special community building effort by CARD-USF.