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Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor reads a proclamation recommitting to fully implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act in Ann Arbor on Aug. 6, 2015
(Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Mayor Christopher Taylor issued a proclamation Thursday night recommitting to full implementation of the ADA in Ann Arbor.
"The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life," Taylor stated in his proclamation.
Carolyn Grawi, executive director of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, was on hand to receive the proclamation Thursday night.
"However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement the ADA."
On the 25th anniversary of the ADA, Taylor said the city celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made by "reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance."
For instance, Ann Arbor is still working after many years to make all sidewalk curb ramps at crosswalks throughout the city ADA compliant. In some areas of the city, there are still crosswalks where there aren't any curb ramps at all.
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the act into law, establishing a comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities, requiring ADA compliance in many aspects of American life.
Carolyn Grawi, executive director of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, was on hand to receive the proclamation Thursday night.
Grawi noted there will be a special event this Sunday to celebrate and unveil plans for a new universal-access playground coming to Gallup Park.
The event, called Sundae in the Park, runs from 3-5 p.m. at the Gallup Park Picnic Shelter, 3000 Fuller Road.
The event will take place in the east section of Gallup Park on the proposed site near the existing play structure and picnic shelters, rain or shine.
There will be a brass ensemble from the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, ice cream for purchase from the Hello! Ice Cream truck, games for children, and other activities.
The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2016 and has chosen to commemorate the milestone with a Centennial Playground Project at Gallup Park in partnership with the city's parks department. Grawi said it's been a joint effort involving input from members of the disabilities community in Ann Arbor.
- Learn more about the project
"By having different organizations come together, we make the community better as a whole," Grawi said.
Grawi cited the efforts of the city's Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force and the city's Commission on Disability Issues, as well as efforts to improve accessibility when it comes to voting in elections, as three other examples of work being done to improve the lives of those with disabilities in the Ann Arbor community.
Local officials also recently celebrated the addition of a first-of-its-kind retractable platform for people with disabilities at the Amtrak station in Ann Arbor.
Ryan Stanton covers the city beat for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at ryanstanton@mlive.com or 734-623-2529 or follow him on Twitter.