More Work To Do: Greenwich Commemorates Signing Of ADA

GREENWICH, CT — The newly-renovated Cardinal Stadium at Greenwich High School served as a poignant backdrop on Tuesday morning, as the community gathered to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. 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. The law makes sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

While those in attendance Tuesday agreed that there is plenty to celebrate regarding accessibility and inclusion in town, there is still more work that needs to be done.

"We've come a long way since [the ADA was signed], but we still are not there yet," First Selectman Fred Camillo said. Camillo also issued a proclamation, encouraging residents to do their part in reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion.

Cardinal Stadium recently underwent extensive renovation.

The home bleachers, which had been condemned and closed because of code violations, were completely replaced and are now ADA compliant.

There is a new press box, elevator, accessible bathrooms and a team room below the bleachers. New lights were installed on the existing poles at the stadium, and a new entry kiosk was constructed along with approximately 20 handicap accessible parking spaces just feet away from the stadium entrance.

"We want people to come here and be able to sit where they want and not be put in a separate area," Camillo said. "This is an example of what it has to be, not 'can be' or 'should be.' Has to be."

Camillo said considering accessibility and inclusion for all is now automatically part of the planning process for projects.

Alan Gunzburg, chair of the First Selectman's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, and a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, moved to Greenwich about 25 years ago, and said his first impression of Cardinal Stadium was not good.

He wondered why some parents and grandparents couldn't sit with the rest of the crowd in the bleachers. He also recalled the difficulty for some in accessing the high school's graduation ceremony, which is traditionally held at Cardinal Stadium.

But through planning, teamwork and dedication to being inclusive, Cardinal Stadium has now turned into one of the more accessible facilities in Greenwich.

"We've been able to make great strides in town," Gunzburg said. "Access needs to be first in mind when we do anything, so people can use things properly no matter what your situation is and what part of the deck you've been dealt."

Gunzburg said there's more work to be done, such as addressing Greenwich's school buildings, sidewalks and curb ramps.

Board of Education member and former GHS rugby coach Joe Kelly served as a liason to the board on the Cardinal Stadium improvement project.

He coordinated on the project with Gunzburg and Stephanie Cowie, who is also a member of the First Selectman's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities.

When the stadium was complete, Cowie organized an event to mark the opening of the facility.

At the event, Gunzburg approached Kelly, who had extended his hand expecting a handshake in return.

"Alan gave me this big hug," Kelly recalled. "He was really thankful for what we had done and what we accomplished. It wasn't until that moment that I realized what we actually did for a community that I cannot even pretend to understand the difficulties that they have. It was at that moment that I realized so much was done."

Cowie, who uses a wheelchair, spoke briefly Tuesday about the moment she first saw the renovated bleachers full of people.

"Every single spot was filled," she said. "It's so wonderful that this has impacted the entire community, and will continue for years to come."