3/12/2004
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell,[317] 327-3622
Juli Paini, [317] 327-3798 |
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Indianapolis recognized in national Accessible America competition
INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis recently received an honorable mention award in the National Organization on Disability’s "Accessible America" Competition. Indianapolis was selected among 63 cities, towns and counties who also submitted applications.
The Accessible America competition recognizes the efforts of cities that incorporate programs aimed at promoting the involvement of citizens with disabilities. Applications were judged based a city’s ability to provide a physically accessible environment, communicate a welcoming attitude, integrate citizens with disabilities into community life and inspire other cities.
"Indianapolis values the contributions of all of its citizens and seeks to promote inclusion in all aspects of community life," Mayor Bart Peterson said. "Respect for all is essential in order for Indianapolis to become a world-class city, and we are honored that our efforts are being recognized nationally by the National Organization on Disability."
Since entering office in 2000, Mayor Peterson has implemented a number of initiatives that promote inclusion in Indianapolis, which led to the city’s recognition in the competition:
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The Inclusive Employment Project, a joint venture to encourage businesses to interview and hire more people with disabilities by providing employers with information on hiring people with disabilities and establishing a network of businesses to serve as resources and models to others in hiring people with disabilities.
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The Indianapolis Business Leadership Network for Inclusion, which supports and encourages area business leaders to provide quality models, stories, advice and referrals to other businesses that may be considering hiring people with disabilities.
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The Mayor’s Office of Disability Affairs (MODA), which works with members of the community to coordinate the city’s efforts on universal access to government, neighborhoods, transportation, employment, housing and other facets of the community.
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The Mayor’s Accessibility Review Committee, which ensures facilities, programs and policies are accessible and in compliance with federal law. The committee includes a point person on disability issues from each of the city’s eight departments, as well the MODA coordinator, the City-County
Public Access Counselor and other members of the city’s legal department.
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