The Second Annual Accessibility Symposium, an interactive state-of-the-art show that focuses on mobility, aging in place, and smart design, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23rd, at the Civic Coliseum.

Accessibility is often described as the ability for people with disabilities or special needs to access products, services or an environment.

The Symposium is open to the public and specifically for those who answer "yes" to any of the following questions:

Are you a person with a disability?Are you a senior? Do you know a person with a disability or a senior? Do you work with people with disabilities or seniors? Do you design, build, renovate, review plans for or inspect buildings? It is estimated that in the U.S. approximately 56 million people report having a disability and this number does not include seniors age 65 and older. The longer you live, the greater the chance you will have a mobility limitation at some point.

A partnership between the City of Knoxville and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Accessibility Symposium will allow attendees to experience what it is like to have mobility impairment and navigate an accessible kitchen, bathroom and workspace in addition to "seeing" the difference between a ramp with an appropriate slope and one that is too steep.

Several local attorneys will present information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and why it is an important civil rights law. Professionals in the design and construction industry will also learn some of the legal ramifications for not meeting the standards of the ADA. Finally, providers of services that benefit people with disabilities and seniors will display products and offer information.

The symposium is free; a seminar package is available for $25 with HSW continuing education credits included.  

To request accommodations contact Stephanie Brewer Cook, City ADA Coordinator, via email at s[email protected] or at 865-215-2034 (V) or 865-215-4581 (TTY); or Mary Stonaker via email at [email protected] or by calling 865-951-9977. Accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided for requests made no later than Aug. 20th.