ADA Anniversary with the Orioles

In recognition of the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, the Baltimore Orioles will host “Celebrate ADA Day” at Oriole Park on Thursday, July 26, when the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays at 7:05 p.m. Eastern Time. The evening’s activities, in addition to a great game under a summer sky, will include fun, frivolity, song, and ceremony.

Among the many organizations participating in the event are the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), Centers for Independent Living, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, v-Link, the Special Olympics, several chapters of The Arc, and Challenger League, a regional organization that provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball. Expect to see Mid-Atlantic ADA Center at the OriolesREACH Community Booth near Gate D, along with staff and board members of TransCen, Inc., their parent organization.

Laura Owens, President of TransCen, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, to none other than Curtis Pride, a Maryland native who was born deaf, played in 421 Major League games, and currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Ambassador for Inclusion.

Singers from ArtStream, an organization that provides inclusive drama and social skills classes to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will perform the national anthem.

The Orioles will also recognize Marian Vessels, the former director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, as a Birdland Community Hero. Marian, who attended the signing of the ADA on the White House lawn in 1990, is known throughout the country as an educator and a leader in the disability community. The list of her personal and professional accomplishments include serving on the committee that worked with Oriole Park at Camden Yards to establish accessible seating; leading the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center for 20 years until her recent retirement; and remaining energetically involved in her community, promoting accessibility and inclusion. The Orioles will make a generous $2,500 donation to TransCen, Inc. as part of the Birdland Community Heroes Program.(link is external)

Check out the Orioles press release(link is external) for more details, and come on out to the park on July 26! Play ball!