Article from Brooklyn Center of Independence of the Disabled
Brooklyn Center For Independence Of The Disabled has been a strong advocate of rights for people with disabilities
for 60 years. Providing advocacy, information and referral and other frontline
services, BCID is dedicated to guaranteeing the civil rights of people with
disabilities.
One way that BCID is making a real change
in Brooklyn is through its newest campaign 'Opening Doors: Enable Brooklyn.'
The Opening Doors Campaign has been
promoting disability-friendly stores and businesses throughout Brooklyn, by
awarding striking certificates and publicity to businesses which are taking the
initiative to welcome people with disabilities into their stores.
Stores like Luke's Lobster at 237 5th
Avenue. This popular seafood shack is in a building with a step to the entrance, a
familiar story for many Brooklyn storefronts. Local resident Ji-Eun Kim, a
wheelchair user and disability advocate, wrote to the store to make them aware
that she, like many other people with disabilities, is unable to access the
store, and ultimately is forced to take her business elsewhere.
In
response, Luke's Lobster bought and fitted a portable ramp and plan to do the
same for all of their locations. Katie Love, the project manager for Opening Doors:Enable
Brooklyn said, “Luke's Lobster is a great demonstration of a store willing to
be inclusive to those with mobility issues, and will see an increase in
business and promotion as a result. “
The
Opening Doors: Enable Brooklyn campaign has awarded over 30 certificates to
qualifying stores throughout Brooklyn (look out for the window decal around
town) and plans to get that number to 1,000. Katie Love says “taking part is
quick, easy and very rewarding! Even if the store is limited in its access, we
can give expert suggestions and ideas to help. Mainly, we want to raise
awareness and celebrate our local businesses!”
Taking part is totally free. If you would like
more information please email openingdoors@bcid.org or visit www.bcid.org. You
can also follow them on Twitter (@BrooklynBCID) or Facebook
There are other business on #theother5th who are doing their best to be involved. It's not always easy, due to the make-up of older buildings, but Pinot's Palette, ACME Wines and Spirits, Oyster Bar Brooklyn and O Live Brooklyn are also making their facilities as accessible as possible!
