Greenwich Marks ADA Anniversary, Reflects On Progress And Work Still Ahead

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich community gathered at Town Hall on Wednesday to mark the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And while significant progress has been made in town over the past few years to become more inclusive and ADA-compliant, officials agreed there is still plenty of work left to do.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by the late President George H.W. Bush, a former Greenwich resident.

The law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. It also makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation declaring July 26, 2026, as Americans with Disabilities Day in the town of Greenwich, and he urged all residents to join and recognize the progress that's been made in the area of accessibility over the years.

Wednesday's event, which was originally scheduled to take place on Greenwich Avenue but moved indoors because of the threat of rain, was emceed by Greenwich Department of Human Services Commissioner Demetria Nelson.

Camillo acknowledged that Greenwich was "late" on ADA-compliance issues, but over the past seven years, significant progress has been made around town to catch up.

"Everything we do now, every building committee will have a liaison from the ADA & Advocacy Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities. So that is a sea change from where we were seven years ago. There is still a lot of work to do, but I'm very proud of the work we've done in seven years," Camillo said.

Alan Gunzburg, a longtime advocate for accessibility and the chair of the town's ADA & Advocacy Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities, spoke during Wednesday's event and reflected on the work his committee has accomplished and how much the ADA has impacted his own life.

When the ADA was signed into law, Gunzburg was living in Queens, N.Y., and working for Xerox Corporation.

"If I’m being honest, I didn’t know much about the ADA. In fact, I knew very little about disability at all. I had no idea that one day I would become blind, rely on a guide dog, or have the privilege of serving as chair of the Town of Greenwich ADA Advisory Committee," Gunzburg said. "Life has a way of changing our perspective."

As Gunzburg's vision declined due to a rare genetic condition, he came to appreciate the importance of accessibility and inclusion - not just for people with disabilities, but for everyone.

"I learned that when communities are designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, everyone benefits," Gunzburg added. "That is exactly what the ADA is about."

Calling the ADA "one of the most important civil rights laws in our nation's history," Gunzburg recounted the various projects that have received input from his committee, such as the reconstructed Steamboat Road pier and renovations at Julian Curtiss School, Riverside School and Old Greenwich School, and the brand new Central Middle School that's slated to open this September.

The committee has also helped to improve accessibility at Greenwich High School's Cardinal Stadium, including accessible parking, bleacher seating, routes around the stadium and an accessible entrance to the high school.

"These improvements help ensure that students, families, athletes, and community members of all abilities can participate fully in games, graduations, and school events," Gunzburg said.

Greenwich Avenue has also been an area of focus for increasing accessibility. Gunzburg noted his committee worked on the redesign of the historic roadway and advocated for improved sidewalks, safer crosswalks, accessible curb ramps and accessible parking.

Notably on Greenwich Avenue over the past few years, DPW has replaced 7,000 feet of sidewalk, installed 45 ADA curb ramps, and configured 19 ADA parking stalls.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to remain involved with the construction of a new ice rink and pool facility at GHS

"Accessibility is about removing barriers. Inclusion is about making sure everyone feels they belong once those barriers are gone. As we look to the future, let’s continue asking one simple question: Can everyone participate?" Gunzburg added. "If the answer is yes, then we are honoring the true spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

Commissioner of the Department of Public Works Jim Michel thanked members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Representative Town Meeting for funding his department's ability to make ADA improvements around town.

"Each year, we spend a significant amount of our budget on making improvements to our existing infrastructure to bring it up to speed, and just ensuring that all of our infrastructure here in town is current and new projects do meet all the regulations and requirements," Michel said. "We're kind of the team that tries to help make things easier, so that when everybody wants to navigate the town, they don't have to think, 'Oh, can I get there or not?' That's our goal."

Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Dan Carlson spoke Wednesday and said his dedication to ADA issues is personal, as his mother suffered a stroke about seven years ago and has limited mobility.

Carlson noted his department is currently working on developing an ADA master plan to improve accessibility at Greenwich's parks.

"We want to go above and beyond, and add some features that aren't just the minimum expectations, but to provide an experience that everybody could really enjoy," he said.

Selectwoman Rachel Khanna also spoke on Wednesday, and said each year on the anniversary of the ADA, she thinks about the many things she takes for granted in her life that some people cannot, like where to park, where to shop or how to enjoy a local park.

"For me, it's hard to think of anything that feels more American," Khanna said of the ADA. "And while we've made tremendous progress, we know that we still have a lot of work to do. We all have a duty to tear down the remaining barriers and create true inclusivity and accessibility. Every step we take toward more accessibility is a step toward a more just and equal society and to a fuller life for all of us."