ECCF joins the Eau Claire community in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed into law by President George H. Bush on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in employment, purchasing goods and services, and participating in state and local government programs and services.

Several Funds held at ECCF support the important work of improving accessibility for all. For example, grants from Access Eau Claire have provided sign language interpreters at events, a braille printer at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, and modified water skis so people with disabilities can join the Ski Sprites Water Ski Club.

Grants from other Funds have also supported accessibility in Eau Claire. These include grants from the Thurston “It’s the Little Things” Family Fund to support services for elders with limited mobility and grants from the Helen and Karl Andresen Family Endowment for Special Needs Fund to support the REACH Foundation. Grants from the Jim and Kathy Pinter Mental Health Fund and the Michael Lund Memorial Fund have also supported programs that address mental health needs.

UW-Eau Claire has created an online exhibit about the ADA's impact on the Chippewa Valley.  Click here to explore it!