‘We all want the same level playing field’

DeKalb nonprofit RAMP celebrates 33rd anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – It’s been 33 years since the federal government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act – legislation meant to empower, advocate for and make a more accessible and inclusive life for people with disabilities.

To mark the occasion, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with disabilities live full lives held an event at the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb recently in celebration of the legislation’s anniversary and the agency’s own advocacy work.

A nonresidential independent living organization that serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties in Illinois – known as RAMP – invited more than a dozen area organizations that work with and help disabled individuals to attend last week’s celebration of the ADA.

Jessica Wexell, the DeKalb and Boone counties RAMP manager, said it was the first time RAMP has held an event commemorating the anniversary of the federal legislation that has transformed the rights of disabled Americans.

“The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act has increased accessibility to public spaces, transportation and employment,” Wexell said. “It also promotes social inclusion, raising awareness about the rights and needs of people with disabilities.

“Tonight is just to celebrate how far the disability community has come, but yet, how far we still have to go to make our community fully accessible,” she said.

The ADA celebration began with a resource fair in the lobby of the Egyptian Theatre. A variety of organizations hosted information tables during the fair – including the Voluntary Action Center, Northern Illinois University graduate students studying speech pathology, Kishwaukee United Way and others – making it a convenient place to learn what local resources are available for people with disabilities.

Shayna Smith, with Safe Passage, said the RAMP event, and others like it, are important for bringing awareness to disability rights.

“I think having a lot of local organizations come out and show support in solidarity – it not only expresses support for the ADA but I think if we have enough people we could maybe even show support for people with disabilities in future legislation, since it’s very much lacking,” Smith said.

The second part of the event featured a screening of “Crip Camp,” a documentary that chronicles the civil rights struggle for disability rights through the lens of a groundbreaking summer camp designed for disabled children.

The film, executive produced by former President Barrack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, has a 100% rating on Rottentomatoes.com.

Before the documentary began, J.J.

Wett, who recently was elected secretary of RAMP’s Board of Directors, spoke to those who attended the event. Wett, 38, of DeKalb, was 5 when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed. The act of Congress changed the way he was educated, and afforded him opportunities that American society had previously failed to provide. For Wett, last week’s event was about educating the public, and acknowledging the forefathers of a civil rights movement he is now a part of.

These days, Wett is an integral part of RAMP but 20 years ago he was just discovering the resources the organization could offer.

“RAMP and I go way back, all the way to 2002. So I was a senior in high school, looking to transition to college life at NIU. And so there was a hiccup with caregiving – the state of Illinois paying for caregiving – and because I require 24/7 care giving, I needed help.

See ADA, page 7

Local News Briefs

Pfenninger to sing Aug. 8 with DeKalb Municipal Band

DeKALB – Vocalist David Pfenninger will perform with the DeKalb Municipal Band at its “All That Jazz” concert. The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Dee Palmer Bandshell at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb.

Pfenninger will sing “Feeling Good,” “Orange Colored Sky,” and “Anthem” from “Chess.” Other music on the program will include “Glenn Miller in Concert,” “Salute to American Jazz” and “South Rampart Street Parade.”

Pfenninger graduated with a music education degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s in music education from VanderCook College of Music. He performs in stage, concert and cabaret shows in the Chicago area.

Pfenninger is the choral director at Gregory Middle School in Naperville and leads the school’s treble honors choir, pop and jazz ensemble, men’s ensemble, three curricular choirs and directs the school musical’s music. He also is the baritone and bass section leader of Northern Illinois University’s Cor Cantiamo choral ensemble.

Kishwaukee United Way to host sponsorship luncheon Sept. 12

DeKALB – Kishwaukee United Way will host a sponsorship empowerment luncheon to start its 2023-24 workplace campaign.

The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 12 at Lincoln Inn at Faranda’s, 302 S. Grove St., DeKalb, according to a news release.

The luncheon is open to the public and will include a mystery raffle, a lunch buffet and speakers.

The event also will select honorees and highlight local initiatives. Because of limited seating, reservations are required to attend. Tickets cost $55.

Kishwaukee United Way is accepting sponsors, vendors and donations for a silent auction mystery gift basket. Ad sponsors for the event’s booklet also are being accepted. The booklet ads cost is $75 for a quarter page, $125 for a half page and $250 for a full page.

To sponsor the event, email info@ kishwaukeeunitedway.com or visit kishwaukeeunitedway.com.

For information or to RSVP, visit kishwaukeeunitedway.com or call 779-255-1267.

Continued from page 6

So I contacted RAMP and they had an advocate,” Wett said.

He went on to graduate from NIU, later obtained a master’s degree, and now works as a therapist and counseling adviser for foster children.

Wett said he often hears talk about equality but he prefers to concentrate on equity – which means giving more resources to those who need it.

“We all want the same level playing field, and equality only gives on certain services, whereas equity gives services to get us at the same playing field for everyone,” Wett said. “I think going forward that is going to be a big focus for all disability advocate groups.”

Local News Brief

DeKalb Chamber seeking Athena Award nominations

DeKALB – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 34th annual DeKalb Athena and Women of Accomplishment Awards.

The awards will be presented Oct. 19 at the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb, according to a news release.

The Athena Award recognizes an individual for being a role model, encouraging women to reach their potential, community service and professional and business accomplishments. The nominee must live or work in DeKalb and be active in their careers.

The Woman of Accomplishment Award recognizes individuals who meet Athena criteria but are retired or no longer

• FIRE STATION

Continued from page 5

2,744, or 37%, overlapping calls for service noted in its annual report. The NFPA recommends staffing and/or facility changes when dual calls for service occur, according to city documents.

The city owns a 1-acre property at the north end of the Schnucks subdivision and several lots west of the intersection with Annie Glidden Road and is eyeing the site for the construction of a fourth fire station, according to city documents.

Nicklas said the preliminary cost to finance a new fire station is a little more than $4 million.

The city intends to pay for the facility’s construction using a general obligation bond, officials said. In addition, the staffing and pension costs would be covered by the General Fund and the working in DeKalb County. The nomination deadline is Aug. 18. To submit a nomination, visit dekalb.org/athena-award.

The Athena Award is a national program. Award finalist nominations and support letters are sent to Illinois chambers of commerce with Athena programs to select the recipient.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce provides businesses in the greater DeKalb region with resources, avenues for businesses to connect with each other and the community and advocates for business needs.

For information, visit dekalb.org, call 815-756-6306 or email virginia.filicetti@ dekalb.org.

Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Fund.

The city’s five-year fire department plan would help guide plans to improve response times for residents who live in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th wards, according to the proposal

The city is anticipating that a fourth fire station would be move-in ready by January 2025, according to city documents.