The Governor’s Territorial ADA Office, in partnership with the VI Disability Network Partners, is proud to invite the community to celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act during a special Virtual Ceremony on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. AST.
Held under the 2026 theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” this year’s observance will celebrate 36 years of advancing accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion while recognizing accomplishments that have strengthened the disability community throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The ceremony will also feature a special presentation on disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of inclusive emergency planning and community resilience.
“While we have made meaningful progress throughout the Virgin Islands, our work is not finished. This anniversary reminds us that when we remove barriers and create opportunities, our entire community benefits. After all, the world truly works better with us,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
Territorial ADA Coordinator Julien Henley Sr. encouraged the community to participate in this year’s observance.
“ADA Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also to appreciate the individuals, families, advocates, organizations, and community partners whose dedication continues to move accessibility forward every day. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate progress, learn about emergency preparedness for vulnerable populations, and recommit ourselves to building a Barrier-Free Territory where every person has the opportunity to participate and succeed.”
Participation is free and open to the public.
Individuals wishing to participate virtually are encouraged to register online at www.vi.gov/ADA, where they will receive the Zoom link by email.
For individuals who are unable to participate virtually, community screening locations will be available at:
St. Thomas/St. John
UVI Innovation Center
Located next to the West Police Precinct.
St. Croix
Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living (VIAIL)
Located at Sion Farm Shopping Center, directly behind MoneyGram.
Transportation assistance may be available for individuals attending a screening location.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance as transportation and in-person accommodations are limited.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided.
ADA Appreciation Videos
Members of the community are invited to submit a 30 to 60-second #ADA36 Appreciation Video sharing what the Americans with Disabilities Act has meant to them, how accessibility has impacted their lives, why inclusion is important, what this year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” means to them, or offering a message of encouragement to the disability community.
Selected videos may be featured during the virtual ceremony.
Videos may be submitted:
• Through www.vi.gov/ADA or https://acesse.one/4264gy3
• By WhatsApp text to (340) 473-1848
• By email to ada@go.vi.gov or edidiong.utibe@go.vi.gov
Call for Participation
Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, advocacy groups, and other partners interested in participating in this year’s observance are encouraged to contact the Governor’s Territorial ADA Office as soon as possible.
Additionally, individuals with disabilities who would like to showcase a talent—including singing, spoken word, poetry, instrumental music, dance, storytelling, or other performances—are invited to express their interest for possible inclusion in the ceremony.
Interested participants may promptly contact:
Edidiong Utibe
Governor’s Territorial ADA Office
Phone: (340) 473-1848
Email: edidiong.utibe@go.vi.gov
The ceremony is presented by the Governor’s Territorial ADA Office in partnership with the VI Disability Network Partners, a collaborative coalition committed to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The VI Disability Network Partners include:
• Governor’s Territorial ADA Office
• Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI)
• Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living (VIAIL)
• Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD)
• Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)
• Virgin Islands Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocates (VIDHHA)
For additional information, to register, or to submit an ADA Appreciation Video, visit vi.gov/ada call (340) 778-7992, or email edidiong.utibe@go.vi.gov.
About the Governor’s Territorial ADA Office
The Governor’s Territorial ADA Office works to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands by advancing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, fostering collaboration among public and private partners, and supporting initiatives that help build a Barrier-Free Territory
