Thanks to the many Advisors to the Accessible Cities Alliance who have helped us reap a bountiful harvest of support in this unprecedented local initiative.

 

After more than two years of collaboration, the Accessible Cities Alliance was publicly unveiled this past July.  This collaboration of numerous local entities continues to work with the goal of encouraging voluntarily compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state laws. Greater understanding of what accessibility means seems to be taking hold.

 

The city of Joliet, county of Will, civic leaders, business community representatives, and other advisors who have joined our efforts toward a barrier free community and equal rights under the law have committed their time and talents toward this effort. Others have joined them in this unique cause which adds significantly to its mission and credibility.

 

Untold gratitude is given to the 19 financial supporters of the Alliance. These individuals and businesses have recognized an important effort and have contributed to it. Their gifts are of immense value and we salute them for their support.

 

Two financial institutions in the area have created low interest loans for businesses who are seeking to renovate their facilities in order to increase access. Thank you First Midwest Bank and Founders Bank for taking the lead in this measurable manner.

 

I’m thankful that labor unions, independent contractors, and Three Rivers Construction Alliance are becoming involved in the Alliance. Committing to providing quality work on projects relating to ADA accessibility of businesses of all sizes looking to comply with the law passed over 15 years ago is of paramount importance.

 

Gratitude is extended to the city of Lockport for passing an access ordinance and for providing financial assistance to businesses to help them become accessible.  Other municipalities can look to Joliet and Lockport who have put local enforcement policies in place so all of their citizens can participate in services offered by public accommodations.

 

Thank you to those businesses that have become accessible. Business owners who have made changes to improve access are urged to contact the Alliance and let the good news spread. Notably, accountants who help their clients learn of the IRS Tax Credit and Deductions (44 and 190) available are an added and mutually beneficial blessing.

 

The Alliance’s website, www.ada411.com, has had several thousand hits since it debut in July. We are thankful for those people and businesses who have used the site for technical assistance and encourage others to follow suit.

 

To be sure, there is much more work that needs to be done. The Alliance needs to hear from people with disabilities, their friends and family members, on what public accommodations are accessible and which need improvement. As the coordinating agency for the ACA, the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living can be contacted at 815.729.0162; 815.729.2085 TTY. Regardless of your age or disability, if you can benefit from the increased access we are working toward, we’d be thankful for your involvement. With one in five Americans having some disability, improving access is everyone’s business and we encourage you to become involved.

 

Lastly, I am thankful that the Alliance has demonstrated what incredible changes for the common good can be made when people of diverse backgrounds join forces. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed.