By Nate Fain

Before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, life was a little different and tough for those with disabilities.

The UK Human Development Institute will be hosting a seminar featuring two Kentucky disabilities advocates to discuss the struggles and lives of those with disabilities before and after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The forum is the institute’s final seminar of the fall series, which will include a documentary aired on PBS.

Marybeth Vallance, preservice training coordinator and social work director of the institute, said the documentary is “emotional”.

“It shows how determination and a yearning for independent living can help overcome a severe physical disability,” Vallance said.

The two speakers are Arthur Campbell, who was born with a severe disability that affects his speech and physical mobility, and Norb Ryan, Kentucky’s ADA coordinator.

Campbell has been a well-known advocate on a state and national level for the rights of those with disabilities. The documentary, “If I Can’t Do It,” focuses on Campbell’s life and his role in the disability rights movement. Campbell will share how a person can independently live and make profound contributions to the disability and civil rights movement.

Ryan, who worked at the UK Human Development Institute from 1992 to 2001, will focus on the disabilities rights movements and the impact of the ADA.

Harold Kleinert, the executive director of the Human Development Institute, said a very strong parallel existed between the disabilities rights movement and other civil rights movements in America.

“I think understanding that parallel would be eye-opening for many students,” Kleinert said. “That’s why this seminar and future events are so valuable to many people.”

The seminar will be at the Human Development Institute’s Coldstream Training Room at 1 p.m. and is free, but those wanting to attend will need to register online at www.hdi.uky.edu/news.

What: Disabilities and Civil Rights Past and Present

When: Friday at 1 p.m.

Where: Human Development Institute’s Coldstream Training Room

Admission: Free