NOD is calling on America’s mayors and chief elected officials to enter their communities in the seventh annual Accessible America awards competition, open to all U.S. cities and towns. The purpose of the competition is to highlight and inspire replication of best practices ideas in disability programs, services and initiatives as part of a yearlong celebration of NOD’s 25th anniversary.

To enter the competition, communities must submit an official Accessible America 2007 application signed by their mayor or chief elected official, describing how their city or town (or county representing unincorporated communities within its borders) provides opportunities for citizens with disabilities to participate fully in community life. Entries must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2007.

Read more about the 2007 Accessible America Competition, and download the Official Entry Form and Guidelines

Berkeley, CA, and Chicago, IL, have been chosen as the winner and runner-up in the sixth annual Accessible America Contest, the National Organization on Disability announced on January 11.

The cities are being heralded as national models for their focus on disability issues and successful design of programs, services and facilities that are accessible for citizens and visitors who have disabilities. The Accessible America Contest, administered by N.O.D.’s Community Partnership Program, is sponsored by generous grants from UPS and Wal-Mart.

Learn more about Berkeley, CA and Chicago, IL, the winner and runner-up in the 2006 Accessible America Contest 

Applications from 2006 Accessible America Finalists:

• Alexandria, VA Accessible America 2006 Application
• Berkeley, CA Accessible America 2006 Application
• Bloomington, IN Accessible America 2006 Application
• Chicago, IL Accessible America 2006 Application
• Indianapolis, IN Accessible America 2006 Application
• Louisville, KY Accessible America 2006 Application
• Miami Beach, FL Accessible America 2006 Application
• New Haven, CT Accessible America 2006 Application
• San Francisco, CA Accessible America 2006 Application
• Sioux Falls, SD Accessible America 2006 Application

Chicago Accepts National Organization on Disability's $10,000 Accessible America Award

On July 25, 2007, Chicago, Illinois was honored as the runner up in the National Organization on Disability’s (NOD) Accessible America Competition. All U.S. counties, cities and towns were eligible to enter the Competition. In a noon ceremony at Chicago’s Navy Pier, as part of the city’s Access Chicago ADA Anniversary Celebration, Karen Tamley, the Commissioner of Mayor Daley’s Office for People with Disabilities, accepted the $10,000 Accessible America prize from NOD President Michael Deland. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. sponsored the Award.

National Organization on Disability Receives $25,000 Grant from AARP

On July 6, 2007, NOD received a $25,00 grant from AARP, to fund our 2007 Accessible America Competition. The competition recognizes towns and cities across America for their efforts at promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life.

“This grant will allow NOD to recognize, and encourage the replication of innovative programs undertaken by America’s local governments to ensure that our nation’s 54 million citizens with disabilities play active roles in the lives of their communities” said Michael R. Deland, President of the National Organization on Disability.

National Organization on Disability Receives $25,000 Grant from the UPS Foundation

On January 17, 2007, NOD announced receipt of a $25,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to fund the 2007 Accessible America Competition to recognize towns and cities across America for their efforts at promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life.

"This grant will allow NOD to recognize, and encourage the duplication of innovative programs undertaken by America’s local governments to ensure that our nation’s 54 million citizens with disabilities play active roles in the lives of their communities" said Michael R. Deland, President of the National Organization on Disability.