Sudbury Marks Disability Independence Day With Accessibility Push

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury is marking National Disability Independence Day by highlighting recent local efforts to expand accessibility and inclusion.

Sudbury is recognizing the July 26 observance after the Select Board issued a proclamation earlier this month and Town Meeting adopted a Full Inclusion and Accessibility Resolution earlier this year. National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

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The Town Meeting resolution reaffirmed Sudbury's commitment to considering accessibility and inclusion in municipal planning and decision-making. It also encourages the town to promote universal access across programs, services, facilities and communications.

Local Efforts

Sudbury officials pointed to several local efforts, including Goodnow Library's Adaptive Library of Things, which allows residents to borrow adaptive equipment for recreation, communication, learning and daily activities. The library is also recognizing Disability Pride Month in July with displays featuring books by and about people with disabilities.

The town also highlighted accessible transportation services, including Catch Connect, which helps residents get to medical appointments, shopping, recreation and community activities.

This year, the Sudbury Commission on Disability partnered with the Rail Trail Advisory Committee and All Out Adventures to offer free adaptive cycling on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. The program used adaptive bicycles and tricycles for participants of different ages and abilities.

Other efforts include the universally designed addition to Smile Playground at Haskell Field and the Commission on Disability's annual Accessible Trick-or-Treat, a sensory-friendly Halloween event for children and families.

"National Disability Independence Day reminds us that building an inclusive community is an ongoing effort," Sudbury Commission on Disability Chair Liesje Quinto said in the release. "We're proud of the partnerships that have helped expand accessibility throughout Sudbury, and we look forward to continuing to work with residents, Town departments, boards, committees, and community organizations to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life."

Commission Vice Chair Karyn Jones said accessibility and inclusion should guide local planning.

"Accessibility and inclusion are more than goals. They're values that shape how a community grows," Jones said in the release. "When we intentionally consider the needs and lived experiences of people with disabilities in our planning and decision-making, we create a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong."

The Sudbury Commission on Disability advises town officials on issues affecting residents with disabilities and works with town departments, boards, committees and community organizations to improve access to programs, services, facilities and public spaces.

See Also:

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• Sudbury Announces State Primary Voting Details For September