On Tuesday the 21st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act -- several local activities helped bring focus to the landmark civil rights legislation, which calls for equal access for disabled individuals. In Joliet, the Will Grundy Center for Independent Living hosted an Open House at its office, located at Jefferson Street and Barney Drive.
Visitors spent the afternoon learning about the programs and services of the United Way agency, including free amplified telephones, community reintegration, low vision assistive technology, personal assistant training and registry, and independent living skills training for persons with disabilities of all types and all ages. While reaching out to those who can benefit from its programs, the Will-Grundy CIL (www.will-grundycil.org) also works to promote disability awareness in the community, and encourages businesses and local governments to provide full access to disabled consumers, now one in five Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Later in the day, efforts to expand Will County's RTA Paratransit program moved forward full speed ahead. Led by Nick Palmer, Chief of Staff to Will County Executive Larry Walsh, a meeting of several dozen Eastern Will County stakeholders brought together representatives from numerous townships, municipalities and human service agencies. The Will County RTA Paratransit update was held in University Park at Governors State University. Program Manager Joe Voccia of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) participated in the working session, as did Washington Township Supervisor and Will County Board Member Bob Howard, Crete, Will and Rich Township representatives, leaders from Will County Senior Services, NE IL Area Agency on Aging, a liaison for the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living, and others, to discuss funding opportunities and regional paratransit programs. The focus of the meeting was to review RTA grants being pursued by the County for a Mobility Manager and operational support, both, which would enhance existing Paratransit programs to seniors and persons with disabilities throughout Will County. A Paratransit Coordinating Council will be established to continue to guide this project. Information on the Will County RTA Paratransit study can be found on its website at www.willcountyillinois.com.
Fast-becoming the second largest county in Illinois, Will County's growing population of aging and disabled residents represents a strong consumer base from which local accessible businesses can benefit. Considering that the collective buying power of these populations can be a boost to local economies, participants agreed. Many service providers from Eastern Will County spoke of the increased ridership trends to social and spending trips using the Paratransit system, compared to in the past when most trips were strictly health related. Others spoke of local businesses, which were getting involved to defray trip costs for riders who came to their locations. Palmer expressed confidence in the program's future, acknowledging the RTA and County Board for support. He closed by emphasizing the need for commitment and collaboration among local governments, service agencies and funding partners to pursue expanded transportation, which gives seniors and disabled individuals in Will County more freedom to become more active consumers.
Photo above: Nick Palmer, Chief of Staff to County Executive Larry Walsh (r) Program Manager, Joe Voccia of Regional Transportation Authority, (RTA) and Washington Township Supervisor and Will County Board member Bob Howard going over some points.
# As posted by The Times Weekly : Author: Chris Book : July 27 2011
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