Assemblyman Ari Brown, Ranking Minority Member of the People with Disabilities Committee, joined several of his colleagues at a press conference hosted by Assemblyman Joshua Jensen and Sen. Mario Mattera in supporting passage of a bill (A.9539) that would make it easier for local municipalities to afford and install handicap-accessible aspects to recreation facilities. They also support the passage of bill A.9923, which ensures certain handicap-accessible playground equipment is within each state park.

The group was joined by nine-year-old Santii Patel and her family who was recently involved in helping her town raise nearly $7,000 to install a wheelchair-accessible swing, so that every child has the ability to enjoy playgrounds.

Assemblyman Brown has long been an advocate for individuals with disabilities. In 2001, Brown helped to commission the first ever handicapped playground in his hometown of Cedarhurst, New York. To this day, Cedarhurst Park’s playground serves as a strong representation of what accessible playgrounds can offer our local communities.

“Young girls like Santii are inspiring in their desire to help their peers,” said Brown. “It’s crucial that we give a voice to those in our community who cannot advocate for themselves. We can do this by passing legislation that promotes inclusion, so that no child feels left out. I am proud to champion these bills and will push to see they become law in the waning days of session.”