CE Astorino, Joe Bravo of WILC and John Ravitz, of the Business Council of WestchesterCounty Executive Robert P. Astorino joined Joe Bravo, executive director of the Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC), and four county organizations Tuesday, March 12 to officially launch Equal Access Westchester, a new campaign devoted to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities throughout Westchester County.

The event took place at the Vintage Lounge & Restaurant at 171 Main Street, White Plains. The campaign is designed to help businesses learn how "equal access is good business." A key tool is a new Web site: Equal Access Westchester .

Equal Access Westchester is a unique partnership of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, Westchester County Office for the Disabled, Westchester County Tourism & Film, and the Westchester Independent Living Center who were united by a mutual commitment to provide accessibility information to Westchester's business community. 

"This initiative is about expanding opportunities for the disabled and business owners," said Astorino. "Menus in small type or stores without ramps can keep customers away. Equal Access provides business owners with information and tools they need to make disabled customers satisfied and repeat customers."

"This partnership can be a turning point in accomplishing the goal of equal access for persons with disabilities in Westchester," Bravo said.

The Equal Access Westchester Web site provides information on accessible transportation, dining, shopping, lodging, and recreation venues in Westchester County; ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) information; tax incentives for businesses; Westchester County's Livable Communities Initiative, and more.

Equal Access provides opportunities for communities to adapt to the needs of their ever changing demographics and to serve the interests of ALL of their residents.  It provides varied business opportunities that serve and are friendly to people of ALL ages and capabilities. And, Equal Access provides an expanded customer base for businesses.