Disability-law compliance is not just Michelle Stokes’ job—it’s her passion, and she wants to make sure that Tempe can justifiably be seen as inclusive and accessible to all people.
With Disability Awareness Month now in full swing, Stokes, the city of Tempe’s disability-law compliance specialist, asks residents to help make sure that Tempe remains inclusive and accessible to all people.
Here are a few ways:
Respect accessible parking spaces. People with disabilities need accessible parking spaces so they can get into and out of their vehicles. You can report abuses to the non-emergency Tempe Police Dispatch number at 480-350-8311 (TTY 7-1-1).
Report accessibility infrastructure issues. Report sidewalks, curb ramps or pedestrian crossings that need repair or prevent accessibility to the city’s information line at 480-350-4311, call 480-350-2704 or email Michele_Stokes@tempe.gov.
Give someone a job. If you are responsible for hiring at your business, consider participating in the Tempe Presents: Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Disability Job Fair. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe. If you have a disability and are looking for a job, come prepared to interview with employers in Tempe and surrounding areas. Information: www.tempe.gov/ADA.
Nominate someone fabulous for the 30th annual Tempe Mayor’s Disability Awards. You can also sponsor the awards. Visit www.tempe.gov/disabilityawards for more information.
Recommend services to Access Tempe. Access Tempe maps more than 90 disability-related services available in the East Valley. Recommend a good service provider for us to add or, if you know someone who could benefit from the list, share it. Get details at www.tempe.gov/ADA.
Tempe strives to maintain accessibility for all
