Vision

Envision a community that is committed to inclusion and takes pride in celebrating its diversity by ensuring that all citizens receive fair, ethical, and equal treatment.

Goal

The goal is to create an environment that promotes acceptance of the concept of a diverse citizenry that includes differently-abled persons, and of their equal rights as citizens of the community. In this environment, persons are not dis-abled, but rather differently-abled. Consistent with this concept is a commitment on the part of government and the public/private sectors to uphold the Rights specified below, as well as the provisions stipulated in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The goal also includes the initiation of common sense, “readily achievable” objectives in government and in both the public and private sectors of metropolitan Louisville as the need for such objectives arises.

Rights

Access – Differently-abled citizens have the right to access all the benefits and opportunities that this great city has to offer. If there are roadblocks to equal access, they need to be torn down.

Housing – Differently-abled individuals should have a right to strive for an independent life, to the extent that they are able. Adequate public or private provision of suitable housing is necessary to this right, and access to it by differently-abled persons is fundamental to the right to pursue an independent life.

Transportation – Differently-abled individuals should have the right and the freedom to travel where, when, and how they choose.

Boards and Commission – Differently-abled persons must be appointed to Boards and Commissions so that they will have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.

The Commission for the Differently-Abled Citizens – The Commission for the Differently-Abled Citizens will serve as an advisory council to the Mayor on issues relating to differently-abled citizens.

Arts and Recreation – In order to lead a full life as human beings and as members of our community, our differently-abled citizens need to have the opportunity to participate in the cultural life of the community to the extent that they are able to do so. Such participation provides stimulation, creativity, renewal of spirits, and enjoyment, all of which are essential to the pursuit of happiness.

Education – Differently-abled citizens have a right to a good education, which includes meeting their individual needs to participate successfully in both classroom and extra-curricular activities. Insuring this right demands the cooperation of the Jefferson County Public Schools with local, state and federal agencies so that each differently-abled student is able to maximize his or her potential.

Employment – Government should partner with the business community by providing incentives for training and hiring differently-abled individuals. The goal should be to make Louisville a real equal-opportunity employment city.