LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Friday marked the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, ensuring they have equal rights and opportunities.
Hundreds of Lincolnites filled one local park to celebrate the milestone.
What started out nearly a decade ago as a small gathering of about 15 people in front of the State Capitol has now become the annual Nebraska Disability Pride Event
People came to celebrate how far cities like Lincoln have come to accommodate everybody, everywhere.
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The celebration took place at Antelope Park for the second year in a row, though this year saw some special modifications for the event. A sidewalk ramp was built by Lincoln Parks and Recreation to allow those in wheelchairs to access the state. Quiet zones were marked off for those with hearing sensitivities, allowing all to comfortably be apart of the party.
The passing of the ADA in 1990 allowed those like Gloria Eddins to more comfortably be apart of their communities.
“Things weren’t accessible,” Eddins said. “They weren’t built for people like us. Slowly but surely over the last 30 years, those barriers have come down and access for all is being granted.”
“It’s really unique to have a gathering of other people like me and it’s just normal,” said Keith Hafermann, Lincolnite. I don’t feel in the way with my wheelchair, because other people are like me. It’s really cool.”
Dozens of vendors specializing in services for people with disabilities line the sidewalks of the park, including the Rescue and Reuse event, who collected donations of medical equipment all week to give away to those who needed it for free.
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On Friday, Rescue and Reuse were able give out 21 items, including three power wheelchairs.
Organizers said that last year more than 800 people attended, a record for them that they think was beat this year. While the event was the most accessible the celebration has been so far, they said they always work to make each year more inclusive.
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Nebraska has added a secondary commitment to the 2027 class, safety/cornerback Brennan Drummond. Drummond, from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School, made an official visit to Nebraska on June 12 and to Georgia this weekend. He is a three-star recruit and the No. 118 safety in the country, according to the Rivals Industry ranking.
Drummond’s style of play in the secondary is a great fit for Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich. Drummond wants an aggressive defensive approach that will bring pressure from multiple spots on the football field.
“This Nebraska staff wants to attack blocks, stop the run, and create confusion with pressure, movement, and multiple fronts, and my game is a natural fit,” Drummond said.
Another reason Drummond is a great fit for Aurich’s defense is his versatility. Drummond played cornerback last season, which he admits is out of position, but he does have the ability to cover, which could lead to getting a look at nickel as well as safety.
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“I’m a downhill, physical strong safety who can play near the box, support the run, and rotate into coverage when needed,” Drummond said. “My strengths are versatility and physicality. I played out of position last year at corner, but it helped with my coverage ability.”
Drummond is the 20th commitment for the Huskers in the 2027 class. Nebraska has commitments from four-star safeties Tory Pittman of Millard North in Omaha (Neb.) and Corey Hadley of Sandy Creek in Tyrone (Ga.).
The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division (DOR), reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458, and all required forms and documentation must be filed with their county assessor on or before June 30, 2026.
The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of the residence.
The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other governmental subdivisions for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.
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In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to the following categories of property owners:
Persons age 65 or older before January 1, 2026;
Qualified disabled individuals; or
Qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
Some categories are subject to household income and residence valuation limitations. The income limitations are on a sliding scale based on filing status and homestead exemption category.
Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption. For more information on the homestead exemption program, please contact your county assessor or DOR at 888-475-5101.
