Justin D'artists is a performance troupe formed at the Matrix Theatre Company with the generous support of a grant from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan. They perform with a giant puppet of Justin Dart who is often called the father of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law for people with diabilities. Justin not only inspired advocacy for the Americans with Disabilities Act, he encouraged people with disabilities to be proud of who they are, to have courage, to persevere in the quest for justice and to "Lead On" with Love.
The performance by artists with disabilities with the Justin Dart puppet informed, inspired and entertained the audience and passers-by at the Festival. For me, it was memory-evoking as I had the privilege of working with Justin in the 1980s as we advocated passage of the ADA. It was signed into law July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. Twenty years later, much has been accomplished, yet much remains to be done. The spirit of Justin Dart inspires us still. His words echo, "I am with you. I love you. Lead On."
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