PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Officials involved in the city’s 2026 semiquincentennial have pledged that the festivities will be accessible to all Philadelphians, including those with disabilities.
City Councilmember Kendra Brooks called a hearing last week on the matter because of her own difficulties helping people with disabilities navigate past city events.
“We have an opportunity this year to do better,” she said. “With so many people affected and so many public dollars going into preparations for 2026, the city must take the time to listen and respond to the needs of people with disabilities.”
Guy Brooks of Liberty Resources told the panel that transportation must be a priority, emphasizing bus lane enforcement.
“For wheelchair users like me, crossing safely to a bus door can be a matter of life and death,” he said. “Georgetown University Medical Center found that wheelchair users face a 36% higher risk of being killed in car-pedestrian crashes … because we are lower to the ground and harder to see. Clear, protected bus lanes and enforcement are essential to preventing tragedy.”
Vicki Landers of Disability Pride said even though the city includes accessibility requirements in its contracts with event producers, she doesn’t see any enforcement mechanism if they fall short.
“I’m urging City Council and the Mayor’s Office to make accessibility a core compliance issue, not a suggestion,” she stressed.
Michael Anderson urged for plenty of handicapped parking.
“For individuals like me who require 24-hour care, a drop-off zone doesn’t work,” he said.
The director of Philadelphia 250, Michael Neumis, said his office will use the input as planning progresses. Yvonne Hughes of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities said accessibility will be a priority.
“Accessibility is not an option. It’s a civil right. A legal mandate,” she added. “It is a moral imperative and a reflection of our city’s values.”