City of Chattanooga 
Office of the Mayor 
Proclamation 

Whereas: on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law with strong bipartisan support, representing a historic commitment to the values of liberty, individual dignity, and equal opportunity for millions of Americans living with disabilities; and 

Whereas: this legislation built upon important protections already established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973–particularly Section 504–and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that every child has the right to a quality education tailored to their needs regardless of ability; and 

Whereas: these laws reflect deeply held principles shared by Tennesseans: that every individual is created with purpose, that families should be supported in raising their children with care and respect, and that communities thrive when everyone is given the opportunity to contribute; and 

Whereas: the people of Tennessee have long valued personal responsibility, strong families, and faith-based and local initiatives as key to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are treated with fairness, compassion, and respect; and 

Whereas: the Heritage Park project will be Chattanooga’s largest inclusive playground and has received $450,000 in funding commitments from the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and the State of Tennessee; and 

Whereas: the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga has advocated alongside Chattanooga Fire Department Captain Skyler Phillips for the inclusive playground for children of all ability levels all over this area; and 

Whereas: the ADA and the protections that preceded it have empowered people with disabilities to live, learn, and work with greater independence, fostering a culture of inclusion and productivity that strengthens our schools, our businesses, and our communities; and 

Whereas: The Mayor’s Council on Disability is an advisory group of citizens with a mission to provide direction and guidance to the Mayor and Chattanooga City Council by proposing polices, programs, practices, and procedures that give equal opportunity to all individuals with disabilities, empowering them to achieve inclusion and integration in all aspects of society; and 

Whereas: the members of Mayor’s Council on Disabilities work to support economic self-sufficiency, independent living and inclusion and integration for all individuals with disabilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and 

Whereas: the City of Chattanooga recognizes that preserving and advancing the ideals of the ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 requires ongoing local leadership, sound governance, and a shared commitment to ensuring access and opportunity for every citizen. 

Now Therefore, I, Tim Kelly, Mayor of the City of Chattanooga, do hereby proclaim July 26th, 2025 to be Americans with Disabilities Act 35th Anniversary Day. 

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Chattanooga to be affixed this 26th day of July, 2025. 

Tim Kelly, Mayor