COLUMBUS, Ind. — Grace Kestler, a Columbus city council member, Arc of Bartholomew County executive director and consultant, will highlight March as Disabilities Awareness Month with a livestream Disability Town Hall presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday via Zoom for the Bartholomew County Public Library. Viewers can interact by posting thoughts and questions in the comments section.
She plans in part to highlight city improvements in areas such as downtown, including curb cuts for those with disabilities; the rights of those with disabilities, including renting or owning a home; how people with disabilities can make sure their voice is being heard regarding rights; and the recourse people have if they feel they are not being heard.
She also will discuss a local transportation study highlighting accessibility with city buses and bus stops.
Government figures from last year show that 19 percent of Hoosiers have some level of disability.
“And when you add in all those people’s family members or caregivers, that adds up to a lot of people,” Kestler said. ” … “And we have to remember that anyone at any age can acquire a disability through aging or an accident, whether short-term or long term.”
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
