[Vision2020] PR - City of Moscow Human Rights Commission’s Upcoming Social Justice Forum Announced

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208.883.7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
City of Moscow Human Rights Commission’s Upcoming Social Justice Forum Announced
“Breaking Barriers Together: Access & Inclusion” tackles getting around Moscow

September 8, 2015 (Moscow, Idaho) — Until faced with a disability, limitation or even a baby stroller, physical accessibility and social inclusion may be something taken for granted.

Access and inclusion in the life and amenities of Moscow community for all is the topic of a Moscow Human Rights Commission Social Justice forum set for 6 p.m, Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Gritman Medical center South Lobby, 700 S. Main St. The center is a fully accessible facility. The forum is free and open to all.

“Breaking Barriers Together: Access & Inclusion” is co-sponsored by the City of Moscow Human Rights Commission, Gritman Medical Center, Disability Action Center Northwest and the University of Idaho. The forum will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, be they temporary, lifelong, or age related according to the Department of Justice.

The forum will address the physical, social, economic, and other issues that people across the life span and in particular people with disabilities face on a daily basis when frequenting Moscow establishments and amenities, indoors and outdoors, said Rula Awwad-Rafferty, a Moscow Human Right’s Commission member and University of Idaho professor.

“We need to communicate loud and clear that we are all in it together in making our community inclusive, this is for you and me, for our families, and friends” she said.

Prior to the forum, a group of university students, city and county officials, and University of Idaho leaders will navigate the city from City Hall and the UI Bruce Pitman Center to Gritman Medical Center South Lobby. The participants will use various mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers. Along the way, they will complete regular day-to-day tasks; their experiences and reflections, will be documented and shared publically via traditional and social media, said the forum organizers.

Panelists include Justine Minden, director of Therapy Solutions at Gritman Medical Center; Krista Kramer, Independent Living Planning coordinator at DAC; Ron Landeck, attorney and co-founder/ past chair of the Latah Trail Foundation Board of Directors; and Ashley Centers, UI alumna and local self-advocate.

Individuals who have stories or pictures of barriers that people with disabilities or aging population are encountering (needed curb cuts, sidewalk blockages, inaccessible businesses, health care access problems, etc.) are encouraged to share them with community leaders by contacting Krista Kramer, krista at dacnw.org<mailto:krista at dacnw.org> or 883-0523, prior to Sept. 11.

Inspiring efforts by individuals and groups made towards inclusiveness and accessibility that go beyond the ADA will be recognized during the forum.

For information about the forum, contact Awwad-Rafferty at 208.413.8452.

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Story Contact: David Duke, Chief of Police
Phone: 208.883.7059
Email: dduke at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:dduke at ci.moscow.id.us>

The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.




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