Press Release - Friday, November 01, 2013
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Illinois Department of Human Rights Kicks Off Accessible Parking Awareness Month; Hosts Webinar on Parking Requirements for People with Disabilities
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department on Human Rights (IDHR) and the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED) kicked off Accessible Parking Awareness Month today with a webinar detailing changes in parking requirements for people with disabilities.
“Illinois residents with disabilities deserve the same high quality of life as non-disabled residents,” said IDHR Director Rocco J. Claps. “This includes provisions for accessible parking for people with disabilities.”
Director Claps read a proclamation from Governor Pat Quinn designating November Accessible Parking Awareness Month in Illinois. He was joined by other officials who spoke about changes in the law, including William Bogdan, of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, and Judith Levitan and Michelle Harden of the Illinois Attorney General’s office.
ICED is a committee composed of five state agencies and four Governor-appointed state employees with disabilities whose goal is to increase access and opportunity in state government for people with disabilities. The committee is co-chaired by IDHR Director Claps and Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle R.B. Saddler.
The proclamation for Accessible Parking Awareness Month from Governor Quinn reads:
Whereas, people with disabilities represent an ever-growing percentage of Illinois citizens who rely on accessible parking; and,
Whereas, accessible parking helps our disabled community to fully participate in the various aspects of everyday life; and,
Whereas, great strides have been made in Illinois to construct accessible buildings and facilities with accommodating parking spaces; and,
Whereas, accessible parking spaces should be kept free from obstacles and snow accumulation; and,
Whereas, all drivers, municipalities, and private parking lot owners share the responsibility of knowing and adhering to all laws regarding parking for persons with disabilities as specified in Illinois law; and,
Whereas, all officials and parking enforcement officers must be vigilant in reducing illegal usage; and,
Whereas, The State of Illinois is committed to knocking down the major barriers of independence for people with disabilities by urging our communities to conduct accessible parking awareness day; and,
Therefore, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim November 2013 as Accessible Parking Awareness Month in Illinois, and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the importance of accessible parking spaces.
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