Georgetown, DE (June 18, 2007): Americans pride themselves on being free to go places and do things. But for millions with disabilities, that freedom is hampered by inaccessibility.

The Sussex County Advisory Committee for the Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities invites residents concerned about accessibility issues to attend the committee’s next meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2007. Mr. William Payne will present a DVD highlighting accessibility issues right here in Sussex County. Mr. Payne, of Lewes, is a caregiver who has studied and been involved with accessibility issues since 1994.

Committee members will use the time to better understand problems that pedestrians with disabilities face when trying to navigate their communities. An open discussion about the issue will follow the presentation.

Mr. Van Milligan, Sussex County Chief of Building Code Inspectors, also will discuss current enforcement measures by the Building Code office, and explain whether enforcement of provisions under the Americans with Disabilities Act rests with county, state or federal governments. The meeting is open to the public.

The Sussex County Advisory Committee for the Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities is an 11-member panel established by the Sussex County Council to be an advocate for programs and policies that benefit older and disabled residents. The committee meets on the third Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. Meetings are held at the Sussex County Administrative Offices West Complex on North DuPont Highway in Georgetown.

The committee encourages service providers, older citizens and individuals with disabilities to attend this open forum to provide support, assistance and advice so members can better understand the issues and needs of the community.