1/7/2005
Media Contact:
Monica Whitfield Brase, [317] 327-3690
Juli Paini, [317] 327-3798 |
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Indianapolis recognized in national Accessible America competition
INDIANAPOLIS - The City of Indianapolis was recently honored as one of six finalists in the National Organization on Disability's 4th annual "Accessible America" competition. Indianapolis was selected among more than 150 cities, towns and counties who also submitted applications. Pasadena, CA was chosen as this year's winner.
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 on 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 is continually looking for new and better ways to be inclusive in all aspects of community life, and we appreciate the National Organization on Disability's recognition of that," Mayor Bart Peterson said. "Indianapolis is a world-class city with an amazing number of things to see and do, but all the great things we have don't mean much if they are not available to everyone."
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, including:
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* The first-ever Mayor's Summit on Inclusion and Access, which featured seminars on resources for employees and employers in achieving universal access.
* Mayor's Summit on Accessible Housing, which promoted a dialogue among builders, architects, contractors, developers, and other persons with and without disabilities about accessible housing opportunities in Indianapolis, universal design, aging in place, visitability, contractor-client communication and financial resources.
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