Iran NPC, Tehran- In a symbolic signing ceremony at
the historic LA84/John C. Argue Swim Stadium, Mayor Karen Bass signed the
official Games Host City Accessibility Commitment, joined by leaders from the
LA28 Organising Committee, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC),
Paralympic athletes, and local officials.
The signed document outlines the
city's determination to make every aspect of the LA28 Paralympic Games fully
accessible to people with disabilities. Key actions include creating a
comprehensive Games Accessibility Plan, appointing the city’s first-ever Chief
of Accessibility within the Mayor’s Office of Major Events, and integrating
braille translations at City Hall in partnership with the Braille Institute.
Mayor Bass highlighted the city’s
cross-sector collaboration to make the 2028 Games a model of accessibility,
stating that "equal access to all programmes, services, facilities, and
information" is essential for ensuring everyone can benefit from the
legacy of LA28.
IPC Chief Paralympic Games Officer
Colleen Wrenn praised the city’s efforts, calling the initiative a powerful
extension of the ADA’s promise and a chance to show how removing barriers can
transform society. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover echoed that sentiment, emphasising
the Organising Committee’s role in expanding the Paralympic programme and
setting new precedents for future Games.
Scott Blanks, Vice President of
Accessibility and Employment at the Braille Institute and a former Paralympian,
stressed that the biggest challenges are often social attitudes. He urged that
the Games become a true catalyst for change, inspiring a more inclusive city
for all residents with disabilities.
The LA28 Paralympic Games, set to run
from 15–27 August 2028, aim not just to host world-class sport, but to redefine
accessibility and inclusion in Los Angeles and beyond.
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