July 15, 2025

Sioux Falls will mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a month’s worth of fun and informative events.

Here’s your guide to what’s ahead:

‘Refocus’ exhibit

Stop by Shriver Square in downtown Sioux Falls all month for the “Refocus” exhibit, with looks at how people with visible disabilities often face immediate assumptions and judgments because of their conditions, a reality they cannot conceal. “Refocus” challenges these preconceived notions through the powerful medium of photography with the aim of telling unique stories, dismantling stigmas and challenging misconceptions. This exhibit is the result of a collaboration between two nonprofits, Rare by Design and Untitled.10, and photographer Hollie Leggett. Serendipity Studios in Shriver Square is the host.

Beer and Bingo

Severance Brewing will host Beer and Bingo at 6 p.m. today. It’s free to play, and $1 per pint sold during the event will be donated to the ADA Sioux Falls Committee in support of the ADA Festival. You also can visit Severance all month and round up your tab to support the ADA Committee.

‘Crip Camp’

View the documentary “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” about a groundbreaking summer camp in the 1970s that galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality. It will be shown at 7 p.m. July 23 and 4 p.m. July 27 at the State Theatre.

Lunch & Learn: ADA Employment and Access

Startup Sioux Falls will host this session for employers from noon to 1 p.m. July 25. There’s no cost to attend. Bring your own lunch. Panelists include former Gov. Dennis Daugaard; Richard Crawford, a motivational speaker who is blind; Christopher Cardona, a professor at Augustana University who is Deaf; and Vicki Stewart, the executive director at Employment Disability Resources who uses a wheelchair. The panel will be moderated by Amber Mulder, senior assistant city attorney/ADA coordinator.

The ADA Festival: Strengthening Connections & Moving Forward Together

This celebration, the first of its kind in Sioux Falls, will be from 5 to 9:30 p.m. July 26 at Levitt at the Falls. “It will honor the deeply interwoven connections we all share with people with disabilities,” according to event organizers. “It will foster opportunities for greater understanding and will look to the future as a community of diverse perspectives and abilities.” The festival includes vendors, interactive booths, activities, food trucks and more. The celebration will culminate with performances by artists with disabilities and a proclamation from Mayor Paul TenHaken.