The Accessibility Committee has had great success in increasing accessibility for disabled citizens in our community. Our main goal is to realize a “barrier-free” City in which everyone can enjoy living and working. Although we have had success in eliminating barriers in the community, we continue to check where improvements are still needed and work to make them better.

Accessibility Committee Seeks Membership Applications

Applications are being sought for membership on the City of Whittier Accessibility Committee. This seven-member Committee is an advisory body under the Social Services Commission. Currently there is one vacancy on the Accessibility Committee, which studies access issues and recommends access improvements to assist community members with disabilities. Applicants must be registered voters residing in the City of Whittier or must work for an agency that serves persons with disabilities and is based within the Whittier City limits, and should have experience with one or more types of disabilities. Meetings are held quarterly on the fourth Tuesday of January, April, July and October at the Uptown Senior Center. In addition, there are various subcommittees and task forces targeting specific accessibility issues.

Membership Application

Abilities Awareness Faire

The 2017 Abilities Awareness Faire was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at the Whittier Community Center with our special guests, The Rollettes.

Who We Are

The Committee is composed of community members and professionals who devote their time and efforts into making the City of Whittier a “barrier-free” community. The Committee is made up of seven official members and many part-time volunteers. Committee members or community volunteers also have the option of serving on Subcommittees or task forces to respond to more specific access issues.

Our goals include eliminating physical barriers throughout our community to improve access; continuing to make recommendations to improve City services and programs; and promoting understanding of individual differences through public awareness and education. It is our feeling that achieving access within our community will benefit both disabled and able-bodied citizens, as they will be able to live and work side by side.

How the Committee Was Founded

The Accessibility Committee had its beginnings in May of 1988, when three citizens expressed their concerns and difficulties in accessing our community. City officials began meeting with them on an informal basis to discuss the barriers facing people with disabilities. This informal group evolved into a volunteer group that began a survey of those barriers in Whittier. The survey process took an entire year to complete, with the results compiled into an 80-page report, made available to the public. The report was sent to the City Council through the Social Services Commission and the Council adopted its four main recommendations. One of these recommendations resulted in the creation of the Accessibility Committee to advise other City boards and commissions. The Committee held its first meeting in February 1991.

How You Can Help

If you see access barriers in the community, your recommendations can help us make changes. Please call us with your ideas and suggestions, for we always invite outside comments and assistance. You can get involved with our Committee by attending one of our monthly meetings or Subcommittee meetings. Everyone can write letters to their local and state officials supporting current legislation on access problems.

When We Meet

The Whittier Accessibility Committee meets quarterly on the fourth Tuesday of January, April, July and October.

The meetings are held at the Whittier Senior Center, 13225 Walnut St., Whittier, CA 90602 from 1 to 3 p.m.

For further information, please call 562-567-9482.

Accessibility Concerns

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the City of Whittier has an internal grievance procedure which provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the ADA. Please view the  policy and related Grievance Form to be completed and sent to the City of Whittier, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services at 13230 Penn Street, Whittier , CA 90602. Please contact the Director's office at (562) 567-9400 if you have questions.

For further information about the Accessibility Committee or access issues, please contact us at (562) 567-9480.

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