City of Kirkland Celebrates ADA Awareness Day

Published on July 23, 2021

Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Kirkland City Council proclaimed July 26, 2021 as ADA Awareness Day in Kirkland at its meeting on July 20.  Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, assuring them of equality of opportunity, full community participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. By proclaiming July 26, 2021 as ADA Awareness Day in Kirkland, the City reaffirms its commitment to being a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for people with disabilities and invites the community to celebrate the 31st anniversary of this civil rights law and the many contributions of individuals with disabilities to our community.

“Diversity is our strength,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Toby Nixon. “The ADA, at long last after a decades-long fight, recognized that people with disabilities have the same rights to access and employment as everyone else. People with disabilities have the right to enjoy all our city’s facilities, programs, services, and activities, and we take seriously our responsibility to make all reasonable accommodations so that promise becomes reality.”

As a public agency, the City is required by federal law to evaluate its policies, programs, and services and identify barriers under the ADA. This evaluation is expressed in the City’s ADA Transition Plan.  Beyond those projects identified in the Transition Plan, the City’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and belonging is demonstrated in various recent projects such as:

• the new playground at Juanita Beach Park the newly opened Totem Lake Park that are inclusive and accessible to children of all abilities;
• construction of a new accessibility pathway at David Brink Park;
• a relaunch of the City’s website to provide better ADA accessibility;
• expanded disability parking downtown;
• continued funding for human services organizations providing services to people with disabilities; and
• the addition of an ADA-specific category on the Our Kirkland platform.

 “One of Kirkland City Council’s highest priority goals is to be an inclusive and equitable community by protecting and serving all those who live in, work in or visit Kirkland without regard for race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, age, income or economic status, political affiliation, military status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental or sensory ability,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Amy Falcone. “As a city, we strive for equitable access to justice and the elimination of systemic barriers to equality. This is why we work to exceed accessibility standards and be a truly inclusive place. Together, we can realize the vision of a safe, inclusive, and equitable community where everyone is respected and has a sense of belonging.”

For more information about City of Kirkland accessibility accommodations, amenities, and resources, please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/AccessibilityforAll.

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