On Wednesday, May 8, members of LADD’s empowerment committee met with Cincinnati elected officials to voice their concerns and offer insights into what those officials can do to empower and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in the city.
Committee members Annie Callan, Jenny Crowe, Don Cameron, Gabriel McNay, and Kristen Saul met with Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, along with council members President Pro Tem Victoria Parks, Anna Albi, Jeff Cramerding, Mark Jeffreys, Scotty Johnson, Meeka Owens and Seth Walsh to advocate for changes to increase accessibility in multiple areas within Cincinnati.
Not only were committee members’ voices heard, but their advocacy also resulted in city council approving a motion introduced by Councilmember Victoria Parks two weeks later regarding the number of accessible portable toilets for those with disabilities. The motion tasked the city’s administration to research and present a report in 60 days on how to best address the number of accessible portable toilets at public events.
“As Cincinnati looks to care for all its citizens and make sure no one gets left behind, we must make sure our public events are enjoyable for all people,” stated the approved motion.
Other issues the empowerment committee members advocated city council to consider included:
- Increasing METRO bus routes and the number of shelters along those routes will allow individuals with disabilities who depend on public transportation more opportunities to find employment and travel around the city.
- Adjusting certain requirements and formalities currently creates barriers for individuals with disabilities applying for public sector jobs in the city.
- Incentivizing and assisting small business owners in OTR and Downtown to address accessibility issues, such as wheelchair-friendly entries and bathroom at their establishments.
“The empowerment committee delivered a powerful message to elected officials while at City Hall,” said Susan Brownknight, CEO of LADD, Inc. “They leveraged their voices as taxpayers and voters to advocate on issues important not only to them but also to others with disabilities who contribute to the vibrancy of Cincinnati.”