Oxford Disability Commission Introduces New Accessibility Initiative

The Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues is currently working to recognize local businesses who are ensuring their store is accessible to all citizens.

Commission members are acknowledging store owners through their new initiative, Access Oxford. Access Oxford is aimed to make citizens and visitors of Oxford more aware of what businesses and restaurants are accessible to all citizens.
“We’re a community that draws a lot of traction,” said commission chair, Cameron Stubbs. “This would be a way for those who aren’t familiar with Oxford to look at a business and say, ‘Hey, I know I can get around in there.’”
Stubbs is the comission’s new chairperson, but the commission was established in the late ’90s under Mayor Patricia Lamar after the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to Stubbs, Oxford’s accessibility has increased a lot the past 15 years, especially in newer parts of town. But businesses in the older areas of Oxford are not always accessible to code, which is why those areas of town are the commission’s main focus for this project.
The initiative, however, isn’t tailored specifically toward individuals with disabilities.
“It’s also for new mothers with strollers, senior citizens with walkers and mobility scooters,” Stubbs said. “It’s really a win-win for everybody. You’re accommodating several different demographics of citizens.”
The commission is hoping to work with the City of Oxford to roll out Access Oxford by June 28, which marks 28 years since Americans with Disabilities Act was passed.
The Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues holds public meetings on the second Monday of every other month at 1 p.m. in the basement conference room of City Hall. Visitors of the commission should first contact the Mayor’s office at (662)-232-2340 to confirm the meeting date.

By Trevor Davis
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