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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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.
ALLIANCE, Neb. (WOWT) – Carhenge, a replica of the world-famous Stonehenge made of old cars, opened in the Nebraska Panhandle in 1987.
According to Visit Nebraska, it was constructed in Alliance by the Jim Reinders family in memory of his father during a family reunion.
Carhenge also includes sculptures made of old cars and car parts.
It is open year-round and free to visit.
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