A day ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Friday reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a “Games For All” as the region prepares to host its first Paralympic Games in 2028.
Bass signed an official document called the “Games Host Accessibility Commitment,” which outlines initiatives designed to ensure Los Angeles delivers an Olympic and Paralympic experience that is inclusive of people with disabilities.
“While we have come a long way since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed 35 years ago, we still have more to do to ensure that Angelenos of all abilities can thrive in Los Angeles,” Bass said in a statement.
According to the mayor, the city is working with several departments and private partners to develop and implement what is known as a Games Accessibility Plan. Such a document is intended to guide accessibility improvements to venues and transportation, among other areas.
Additionally, the city is expected to appoint its first accessibility chief, who will serve under the mayor’s office of major events. The Department on Disability also collaborated with the Braille Institute to install a Braille translation for the Olympic and Paralympic flag installation, located in City Hall.
“For too long, people with disabilities have not been treated with the dignity they deserve, and as we prepare to host the city’s first-ever Paralympic Games, it’s time that there is equal access to all Games-related programs, services, activities, facilities and information so that everyone is uplifted by the legacy of the Games,” Bass added.
Joining the mayor for the announcement was International Paralympic Committee Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn, LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover, Braille Institute Vice President of Accessibility and Employment Scott Blanks, and city representatives.
The mayor hosted the event at the LA84/John C. Argue Swim Stadium, a venue originally built for the 1932 Games. The stadium was later renovated with elevators, accessible bathrooms and several swimming pool lifts following the Olympic Games in 1984 and the signing of the ADA.
Pools at the stadium are used for free and adaptive swimming classes as part of the PlayLA program, which offers sports programming for children under age 17.
“Through the platform of the Paralympics, the LA28 Games will drive an impact that extends far beyond the sport venues,” Wrenn said in a statement. “The Paralympic Games shows the world what happens when barriers to success are removed and inspires us to reimagine what could happen if barriers were removed elsewhere, any place where people with disabilities could live, work, play and contribute to wider society if given the opportunity.”
On July 26, 1990, the ADA was signed into federal law, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.