GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich community gathered downtown on Wednesday to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and while those in attendance agreed that there is plenty to celebrate regarding accessibility and inclusion, they said there is still more work that needs to be done.
First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation in front of a Restoration Hardware in what’s known as Veterans Plaza Park.
“The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life,” Camillo said in his proclamation. “However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continuing our efforts to fully implement the ADA.”
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.
The law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The law makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Alan Gunzburg, an advocate for accessibility and a member of the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, which is proposed to be renamed to the Board of Selectmen ADA and Advocacy Committee of People with Disabilities, spoke briefly during the ceremony.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the progress we’ve made as a community in fostering an environment that embraces diversity and empowers every individual,” Gunzburg said. “There’s still work to be done, challenges to overcome and barriers to break. Together, let us renew our commitment to creating a Greenwich where every voice is heard and every person can fully participate in society.”
Stephanie Cowie, a fellow ADA advocate and member of the advisory committee, said when she became paralyzed around the age of 50, she looked at accessibility through an entirely different lens.
“I sadly realized that my surroundings weren’t meant for people like me. It’s incredible how much we take for granted when we can move around freely and independently,” she said.
Cowie said she will remain committed to educating and advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
“We have come a long way since 1991, but our work is not done. The ADA is a reminder that accessibility benefits everyone, and we must be reminded that we are all only temporarily able,” she added.
The setting for Wednesday’s ceremony was appropriate, as it’s where Camillo has stated he wants to revitalize the park and erect a statue to honor Bush, the 41st president of the United States who grew up in Greenwich.
The ceremony was also located near one of the handful of intersections along Greenwich Avenue the town is seeking to bring into ADA compliance. The town is hoping to repave Greenwich Avenue, and ADA deficiencies must be addressed when reconstructing sidewalks or repaving.
There has been resistance from some residents against such intersection improvement projects in the past, and a hesitancy from some town finance officials to release necessary funding for the improvements.
On July 16, the Republican-controlled Board of Estimate and Taxation voted 6-6, and denied the release of $450,000 earmarked for some of the Greenwich Avenue intersection improvements.
Other speakers Wednesday included Greenwich’s delegation to Hartford.
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State Rep. Rachel Khanna (D-149) said barriers to participation still exist.
“We have a moral obligation to break down those remaining barriers and create true inclusivity and accessibility. Every step forward is a step toward a more just and equal society and to a fuller life for all of us,” she said.
State Rep. Steve Meskers (D-150) said more support from the community is needed to move issues of accessibility and inclusion forward. His colleague, state Rep. Hector Arzeno (D-151), said he’s been “inspired” by champions of the ADA in town.
State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-36) said those who have to navigate accessibility and inclusion issues can teach valuable lessons.
“We recognize in this town that those who actually have to overcome unique challenges might even be able to teach us something unique about ourselves, about resilience, about character and virtue,” he said.
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