Officials Mark Anniversary of Signing of ADA: “We’re Not Going Away”

On Wednesday morning a crowd gathered on the plaza outside the former US Post Office, now home to RH, to mark 34 years since President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities.

First Selectman Fred Camillo has proposed to erect a statue of former President Bush in the plaza and to illuminate the flagpole, the war monument and proposed water fountain at night.

Hinting at the opposition to the curb extensions at 8 intersection on Greenwich Ave, and the recent Republican BET chair’s tie-breaker vote that resulted in postponing the release of funds for work to improve the intersections, Camillo said, “For those who may want to slow walk projects and chip away at things, we’re not going away.”

“This project is going to get done,” he added. “History will not remember those who stand in the way of things. It will remember people like President George H.W. Bush the 41st President who grew up here in town, who was not only was a president but was a war hero.”

“Wee want to rededicate what is called Veterans Plaza Park, first dedicated in 1927, very soon we’d like to re-dedicate Veterans Plaza Park – that will light up this flagpole, that will light up this obelisk, that will pay homage to our veterans, including a statute of George HW Bush behind us, and with a lit-up water fountain behind that.”

Camillo was joined by the four members of the Greenwich delegation were joined by Steph Cowie and Alan Gunzburg of Camillo’s “ADA & Advocacy Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities,” and Demetria Nelson, who is the commissioner of Greenwich’s Dept of Human Services.

State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150) said, “Our society is based on how we take care of our most vulnerable residents – whether it is at the beginning of life or end of life.”

He noted that the gathering spot was steps away from a residential assisted-living facility with 81 residents, the Senior Center just to the north.

“We do not have accessibility in this town. We do not have the safe streets we need. We don’t have the narrowed walkways we’ve been advocating for.  We need more support from the community to move these issues forward.”

Steph Cowie, who uses a motorized wheelchair, said she was grateful for the ADA.

“Becoming paralyzed close to my 50th birthday made me look at accessibility through an entirely different lens. I sadly realized my surroundings weren’t meant for people like me,” she said. “I, like many others, are committed to educate and advocate for accessibility and inclusion so everyone can enjoy the same opportunities and experiences regardless of their abilities.”

“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.”

Alan Gunzburg, who is legally blind and uses a guide dog, said the signing of the ADA by George Bush marked a turning point toward a more inclusive and compassionate society, enshrining the rights of individuals with disabilities.

“As President Bush said during the signing, ‘Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come down.’ As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the progress we have made as a community in fostering an environment that embraces diversity and empowers every individual.”

“However, we must acknowledge the challenges we have faced over the past year, particularly in securing necessary funding to ensure compliance with ADA standards.”

Reading from a proclamation that declared July 31, 2024 as Americans With Disabilities Day, Camillo noted, “The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in the community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement the ADA.”

State Rep Rachel Khanna (D-149) said it was easy to take for granted accessing pubic transportation, going shopping or dining.

“Thirty-four years ago many of the features of daily life, that we  assume to be a given, were not,” she said.

“Schools didn’t have to educate you. Employers didn’t have to hire you. Stores would close their doors to you. and restaurants didn’t have to serve you if you were disabled. For a disabled person, life was confined to their home.”

She said prior to the ADA was signed into law the landmark civil rights legislation made it illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, forcing open the doors to education, employment, public spaces and services.

State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36) said, “It is good to gather and verbalize what this community recognizes, which is that everybody, irrespective of their physical or intellectual disabilities, has something to contribute to community and this world. And we need to make an effort because of that to be an inclusive society and enable everyone to participate.”

State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151) said, “The ADA was transformative legislation, but it went beyond advancing the rights and freedoms of Americans. It allowed people of all abilities to be seen and be heard.”

“Today we continue that conversation here in Greenwich and in the state. As our representative in Hartford I am proud to have co-sponsored legislation to continue to deliver on the promise of ADA.”

Arzeno said the legislation expanded medical accessibility and established a bureau to coordinate information and services for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf/blind, and approving a property tax exemption for veterans who have service-connected permanent disabilities.”

See also:

BET Declines Funds for Greenwich Ave ADA Improvements in Tie Vote on Party Lines

June 18, 2024

BET Chair’s Tie-Breaking Vote Means Decision on Funding Greenwich Ave Intersection Improvements is Postponed

July 16, 2024

Feedback on DPW Plans for 8 Greenwich Ave Intersections: Comply with ADA, Skip the Bump Outs 

June 10, 2024