Saturday morning community members gathered for Bainbridge's 8th Annual American Disabilities Act (ADA) March and Celebration.

The event was in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the ADA and was sponsored by BAIN (Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Network), Inc. and Georgia Industries for the Blind. Following the march down Shotwell Street, families, friends and supporters gathered in the Bainbridge Middle School cafeteria where a program, lunch and activities continued the celebration.

Following a welcome by BAIN, Inc  Board member Stancil Tootle, Luis Narimatsu, Georgia Industries for the Blind (GIB) Employee Relations Representative lead everyone in "The ADA Song" . A proclamation from Mayor Reynolds was read and presented by Rep Gene Maddox as no City of Bainbridge officials were at the ADA celebration.

Guest Speaker for the event was Charles Lamb. Lamb owns his own law firm in Albany and serves in many leadership roles including the Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission and the Georgia State Rehabilitation Program.

Lamb stated that at age 18 he was injured in a swimming accident. Following his injury he returned to college and began an advocacy group. Lamb stated that one of the best things that the ADA does is allow those with disabilities the knowledge that they are important members of society and to bring awareness to those without.

This year the Georgia Industries for the Blind also sponsored the event. Mike Jackson, GIB Plant Manager, stated that the Bainbridge GIB is the largest employer of those with disabilities in the area.

Prior to closing, Virginia Harris, Executive Director of BAIN,Inc,  recognized the work of the BAIN, Inc staff, volunteers and board members as well as those that helped make the march and program possible.