3/28/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690
Margie Smith-Simmons, [317] 327-4669 |
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Indianapolis recognized for disability friendliness, outreach
City is in nation’s top 10 for inclusion efforts
INDIANAPOLIS - In honor of March, National Disability Awareness Month, the National Organization on Disability recently announced Indianapolis as a top 10 finalist in the 2005 Accessible America Awards.
The awards recognize the outstanding efforts of local governments to offer persons with disabilities full and equal opportunities to participate in the life of their community, including access to transportation, recreation, jobs, housing, voting, emergency planning and services.
"A basic but vital role for local government is ensuring all residents have equal opportunities to succeed and enjoy the community they live in," said Mayor Bart Peterson. "This national recognition is representative of our city’s dedication to inclusion and our continuous work to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities."
The city was recognized in the following areas:
· Promoting Accessibility. Indianapolis articulates the expectation of universal accessibility with design teams, developers and others at the outset of projects. Through education, the Mayor’s Office on Disability Affairs (MODA) presented on the topic accessible infrastructure to the annual Purdue University Road School and the city hosted webinars for the Institute of Transportation Engineers focusing on the design and construction of accessible pedestrian rights of way. Within the Department of Public Works’ curb and sidewalk program, accessibility is a top priority. Indy Parks also is a leader in accessibility and continues the process of renovating family centers and other recreational facilities to include basic accessibility features, such as ramps in addition to amenities that include accessible family changing rooms.
· Communicating a Welcoming Attitude. MODA and the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association worked together to identify ways to promote the inclusion of visitors with disabilities and seniors in Indianapolis. As a result of this partnership, a resource guide on the accessible features of cultural opportunities as well as information on accessible transportation and accommodations in Indianapolis is currently under development. This information will be shared with universities, realtors, and the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
· Promoting Participation.
ü Employment. Through a successful partnership with the Indianapolis Private Industry Council and the city’s workforce development agency, the Indianapolis Business Leadership Network was formed. The network is comprised of local employers who educate other employers about the simplicity and benefits of recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities and sponsors activities that connect people with disabilities with jobs and networking opportunities.
ü Housing. In November 2004, the city sponsored the Mayor’s Accessible Housing Summit, where persons with disabilities sat side-by-side with builders, contractors, developers, government officials, financial representatives, realtors, and architects to discuss universal design, visibility and financial resources, as well as to share practical advice on building accessible and attractive homes.
ü Political Involvement. Indianapolis’s Local Advisory Committee for Polling Place Accessibility is comprised of individuals with different types of disabilities as well as representatives from the aging community. Utilizing a survey compiled by individuals with disabilities to identify barriers to the over 500 polling places in Marion County, the Committee has worked with over fifty locations to enhance accessibility and enable persons with disabilities to participate in the political process.
· Emergency Preparedness. The city’s evacuation plan of the City-County Building includes provisions for persons with disabilities. In addition, MODA has made presentations at emergency trainings for employees with disabilities, spoke at the national firefighter conference and presented trainings opportunities on emergency planning during the Mayor’s Summit on Access & Inclusion. The city’s Division of Emergency Management has also included the needs of persons with disabilities and seniors in the emergency planning process for Marion County.
Indianapolis was recognized as 2005 Accessible America Awards winners along with Cambridge, MA; West Hollywood, CA; Austin, TX; Arlington County, VA; Berkley, CA; Chattanooga, TN; Nashville and Pittsburgh.
In 2000, Mayor Bart Peterson created MODA to go above and beyond the fundamental requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. MODA works closely with the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability whose mission is to promote the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities within the Indianapolis community, and to advise the Mayor and city administration on issues that impact people with disabilities.
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