This event is sponsored by Deaf, Inc.; St. Louis Developmental Disability Resources; the Society for the Blind and the Visually Impaired; and Agape Council of the Blind.
Celebrate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with this program that explores St. Louis’s role in the 1990 passage of the ADA, how St. Louis has advanced since that time, and what needs are still being addressed. Cara Reedy, founder and director of the Disabled Journalists Association, will moderate a panel conversation with panelists David Newburger, Commissioner on the Disabled and ADA coordinator for the City of St. Louis; Linda Baker, chair of the Greater St. Louis chapter of the Hearing Loss Association; and Jason Stratman, MHS Library Outreach Manager. The panel will illuminate the role of disabled St. Louisans in the ADA’s passage and the broader disability rights movement; highlight key milestones; address accessibility gaps that still exist; and demonstrate how to use the Missouri Historical Society’s archives to research the ADA, early disability history, and local advocacy. Before the panel, visit with resource tables hosted by local disability organizations. Afterward, a complimentary lunch is available with a reservation.
Schedule
10–11am | Disability organization resource fair
11am–12pm | Panel discussion (Lee Auditorium)
12–1pm | Complimentary lunch (please register below)
For guests who want to join the complimentary lunch, registration is required by Sunday, July 26. Guests who do not register in advance are welcome to join for the resource tables and panel discussion.
Panelists
Cara Reedy, moderator:
Cara Reedy is the founder and executive director of the Disabled Journalists Association, a community that provides support, training, mentorship, and fellowship to Disabled journalists. She started her career at CNN 20 years ago as an anchor assistant on the morning show. During her time at CNN she produced documentaries and wrote for several verticals including CNN Money, Entertainment, and Eatocracy. After her time at CNN, Cara freelanced for NPR’s All Things Considered, where she focused on Olympic coverage. She has made two short documentaries, one with the Guardian entitled Dwarfism and Me and the other for PBS American Masters, Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care. After 20+ years in NYC, she has moved back to St. Louis and is happy to be able to source toasted ravioli at will.
David Newburger:
David Newburger is Commissioner on the Disabled and ADA coordinator for the City of St. Louis and is a co-founder of Starkloff Disability Institute. An advocate for disability rights for many years, he works toward the fundamental goal of making it possible for individuals with disabilities to be full and active participants in the community. He is widowed with one married daughter and two grandchildren.
Linda Baker:
Linda Baker chairs the St. Louis County Commission on Disabilities and leads the Greater Saint Louis chapter of the Hearing Loss Association while serving on the board of DEAF Inc. She retired after directing Missouri’s Governor’s Council on Disability, where she advanced statewide disability policy and workforce inclusion. She previously worked at Paraquad (1982–1994), organizing Midwest grassroots advocacy for the American with Disabilities Act and lobbying federal sponsors. Trained by DREDF on ADA implementation, Baker has delivered extensive Title 1 and employment trainings. A person with a disability holding an MSW from Saint Louis University, she draws on mental health, and independent-living expertise.
Jason Stratman:
Jason Stratman was born in Jefferson City and moved to Vienna, Missouri, at age three when his parents bought a family farm. He graduated from Vienna High School and Northeast Missouri State University with a degree in communication. He then began a nearly 30-year career at the Missouri Historical Society Library. As the Library Outreach Manager, he oversees remote research services, school and adult programs, the Saturday Speaker Series, and the Library’s pop-up displays. Jason has been married to Tamaki for almost 27 years. The enjoy volunteering, traveling, hiking, and life with their dogs, Seppe and Lucca.
ASL interpretation is available for programs with two weeks' advance notice. Please email access@mohistory.org to request ASL interpretation or with other accessibility questions.
Register Here. If you need assistance with registration, please contact the Reservations Office at (314) 361-9017 or reserv@mohistory.org.