The Top 10 Things Every New Leader Should Know About Section 504 and the ADA: TWC BREAKOUT SESSION

Join Catherine E. Johnson, Executive Director of Disability Rights Iowa, for an insightful session on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

These laws play a key role in ensuring access and equality for people with disabilities. Youth leaders will learn about the events that led to the creation of the ADA and Section 504 and the advocacy efforts involved. Catherine will cover the main parts of the laws and how they continue to help people with disabilities in areas like jobs, public services, and accommodations. This session aims to raise awareness and deepen your understanding of why the ADA and Section 504 matter. You will leave with the knowledge to help create a more accessible world for everyone.

When: At the Together We Can Conference, May 3rd, 2025
Breakout Session: 1
Track: Youth and Young Adult Leaders
Room: A-1
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE HERE

Participants will learn:

1. Why the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act were needed.
2. The advocacy efforts involved in passing the laws.
3. How the laws support you in your everyday life. 

Speaker Bio:

Catherine Johnson
B.B.A., M.H.Ed., J.D.
Executive Director, Disability Rights Iowa

Catherine E. Johnson received her Bachelor of Business Administration, Juris Doctor, and Master’s in Higher Education degrees from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining the great team at Disability Rights Iowa, Catherine’s work included serving as the Assistant Dean of Students at St. Louis University School of Law, the Director of Student Legal Services at the University of Iowa, and a disability rights attorney at Disability Rights Center of Kansas. Before becoming the Executive Director of DRI, she was the Director of the ADA Resource Center for Equity and Accessibility at the University of Kansas. Catherine has devoted her career to impactful civil rights work on behalf of individuals with disabilities.