March 17, 2003

The city of Irvine (CA) has won the second annual Accessible America Contest. The contest, administered by the National Organization on Disability (NOD)'s Community Partnership Program, provides $25,000 to winning towns, cities, or counties in recognition of exemplary local efforts to ensure that the disabled have access to services and facilities. The award encourages further progress in disability accessibility and may be used to fund local disability'related efforts.

Irvine addresses the needs of the disabled in a number of key ways. The city uses its master plan to promote full access to schools, parks, religious institutions, recreational facilities and events for all, including the disabled. In addition, the Irvine Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board responds to disability issues related to transportation, community awareness, employment, housing, accessibility and social/recreational facilities. Further, the disability community is invited to brainstorm with the city's Community Partners Emergency Response Team in preparing for emergencies and citizen complaints regarding community accessibility are investigated and resolved within two weeks. Commenting on the award, Mayor Larry Agran said, "This is a particular series of programs that are near and dear to my heart. Our city has worked very, very hard and the benefits have accrued to tens of thousands of citizens with and without disabilities in our community.

Joining Irvine as contest finalists were: Austin, Bloomington, Charlotte, Iowa City, Nashville, and Traverse City (MI). For information about entering next year's Accessible America competition, contact Nancy Starnes at (202)293'5960. The deadline is October 31, 2003.