FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2004 WWW.USDOJ.GOV CRT (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced the signing of its one-hundredth agreement with towns, cities, and counties under Project Civic Access, a Department initiative to bring localities into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The announcement was made at a commemorative event held to celebrate the milestone. Attendees included Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights R. Alexander Acosta, city and county government representatives, community advocates, and residents with disabilities from eight communities. All the communities have entered into agreements under Project Civic Access.
Today we salute the local governments and officials who have made this initiative a success by willingly reaching out to all of their citizens, both with and without disabilities, said R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. As a result of todays agreements, people with disabilities will be able to participate fully in fundamental aspects of American life, including attending town hall meetings, viewing government websites, accessing emergency services, and voting at their local polling places. Their increased participation benefits all Americans. Project Civic Access was initiated to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life. As part of the Project, Departmental investigators, attorneys, and architects survey state and local government facilities and programs across the country for the purpose of identifying modifications needed to comply with ADA requirements. Depending on the circumstances in each community, the agreements address specific areas where access can be improved.
Assistant Attorney General Acosta specifically recognized Flagstaff, Arizona and Santa Fe, New Mexico for actions they have taken in compliance with agreements signed earlier in the Bush Administration. Representatives from both towns and their disability communities discussed their experiences and the benefits of greater accessibility. Also today, the Department signed new agreements with Brunswick, Maine; Davenport, Iowa; Juneau, Alaska; Taos County, New Mexico; and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Also today, the Department announced that it has reached agreement with other local governments, including: Lakewood, Washington; Deschutes County, Oregon; Deschutes County 9-1-1 Control District, Oregon; San Rafael, California; Fountain Hills, Arizona; Vail, Colorado; Vail Recreation District, Colorado; Hayden, Colorado; Minnehaha County, South Dakota; Butler County, Missouri; Highland County, Ohio; Jeffersonville, Indiana; Burton, Michigan; Frederick, Maryland; Chatham County, Georgia; Citrus County, Florida; Coral Gables, Florida; Cape May County, New Jersey; and Monroe County Conservation District, Pennsylvania.
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or todays agreements can access the ADA home page at www.ada.gov
Source: US Department of Justice
